How Scott Bourne’s “10 (more) Ways To Become A Better Photographer” Can Make You A Better Leader
January 30, 2010
Scott Bourne is an amazing photographer that I had the privilege of meeting at a “Tweetup” in Gig Harbor, Washington. Being a very amateur photog, I follow Scott on Twitter to see what insights I can glean from him.
Scott posted a blog “10 (more) Ways To Become A Better Photographer.” Wouldn’t you know they are EXACTLY the same tips for becoming a better leader. See for yourself:
Photographer Scott:
1. Shoot with a project or goal in mind. On your next outing, ONLY make images that will help you accomplish your goal, no matter what you find.
♦ Leader context:
What do you want to accomplish today? Keep your eyes and mind open to what around you will help you accomplish your goal and avoid distractions.
Photographer Scott:
2. Show your work to anyone and everyone you can and sit back and listen to what they say, right or wrong, good or bad.
♦ Leader context:
Tell everyone about your passion, dream, “Bigger Game”. Learn from the feedback. And, it will help you find allies to help get you where you want to go.
Photographer Scott:
3. Make at least one photograph every single day. PERIOD. No excuses. Even if all you do is photograph a beer bottle on your back porch, take that camera out of the bag, put a lens on it, make a shot.
♦ Leader context:
Take one bold action every day. Go outside your comfort zone and do something that scares you, even if it is making a phone call.
Photographer Scott:
4. Try a style of photography you’ve never been interested in, just to expand your vision. If you’re one of those people who say “I hate weddings,” then go shoot a wedding. If you usually shoot in a studio go outside. If you usually shoot outside, rent a studio. Try it.
♦ Leader context:
Do something that you are resisting. “What you resist, persists.” Is it social media, networking? Change your perspective about it – try going into it with the perspective of being fascinated with it. Expand your vision!
Photographer Scott:
5. Pay attention and focus. When you go out with your camera, do so with purpose and focus. Shoot without distraction. Be single minded about your photographic pursuits.
♦ Leader context:
Focus on what you want. Have a clear picture of your goal, and pay attention to what is happening around you that can help you achieve it.
Photographer Scott:
6. Look at lots and lots of pictures by other photographers you admire. Don’t just glance at them, actually study them and try to decipher how they did what they did. What worked and what didn’t.
♦ Leader context:
Look at people you respect and admire. What are they doing? Follow them on Twitter. Notice what you can learn from them – both good and bad.
Photographer Scott:
7. Edit your work. Cull your photos. Pick the best 100 photos you’ve ever made and then set aside 50. Now take those 50 and weed out all but the 10 best. This is the starting point for your future efforts.
♦ Leader context:
Look at your values and strengths. Pick your top 3 values and top 3 strengths and focus on those. Utilize your strengths, and make decisions based on your values.
Photographer Scott:
8. Attend a workshop, or go to a conference, or take a class. This will help open your mind, force you to concentrate on photography and provide you with access to great things to photograph.
♦ Leader context:
Get outside of your office and learn something new. You’ll meet new people, form new alliances, and could come up with a new way of doing things.
Photographer Scott:
9. Read a book called The Artist’s Way – pay strict attention to things like “artists dates” and the portion of the book that deals with expanding your tastes.
♦ Leader context:
The Artist’s Way is a great book for everyone – not just artists! It is recommended reading in many leadership and business courses. Business is about innovation and creation – and this book can help with that.
Photographer Scott:
10. Slow down. Use a tripod even if you don’t need one. Think before you push the shutter. Ask yourself why the photo is important to you. Really take time to look through the viewfinder to make sure there’s nothing in the photograph that doesn’t need to be there. Remember less is more.
♦ Leader context:
Take time to analyze your goals and what you are doing. Why is this goal important to you? What else is in your “viewfinder”? Are you filling it up with too much and not accomplishing anything? What would you have if you accomplished the one thing you really wanted? What would you have if you didn’t? What stops you?
Thanks, Scott, for a great lesson in leadership – I mean photography!
Norma Dompier, Business Consultant/Coach, RedBike International