Turning 30 can be a reality check for photographers, pushing you to question your path and choices. It’s a pivotal moment to reflect on lessons learned and shifts needed in how you approach your work and your life.
Coming to you from Max Kent, this thoughtful video explores essential insights that Kent wishes he'd understood in his early twenties. Kent opens up about his struggles with anxiety, emphasizing the need to reframe failure as a constructive part of creative growth. Rather than a sign of incompetence, he stresses that consistent failure is a normal, necessary experience that shapes your identity and skills. The significance is clear—accepting setbacks without self-judgment can fundamentally change your relationship with photography and your creative goals. Kent also critiques the impatience common among young photographers. Early in his career, he expected quick successes and rapid breakthroughs. Over time, he shifted to a patient, strategic outlook, breaking down long-term objectives into manageable steps, reducing pressure, and ensuring steady progress.
Kent further addresses a widespread misconception among creative professionals about social media. He candidly admits he bought into the promise of instant recognition through online platforms but discovered real-world connections matter far more. Sharing a story about job-hunting in Manchester, Kent underscores the difference between submitting applications online and directly approaching potential employers. This principle applies equally to your photography career. Establishing genuine relationships—talking face-to-face with gallery owners, local bookshops, or labs—can open doors far better than passive online engagement. Kent emphasizes the mutual benefits of active community involvement, stressing genuine interactions over superficial networking. Simply knowing and being known locally can spark unexpected opportunities, benefiting you far more than hours spent cultivating digital followers.
Kent acknowledges the widespread vulnerability photographers feel, including himself. He describes how confidence isn't innate but cultivated through consistent effort in diverse, sometimes uncomfortable situations. This personal growth happens gradually—every job, every social interaction contributes incrementally. Kent's work behind a bar, despite initial anxiety, proved instrumental in boosting his confidence to interact authentically with people, enhancing his photography indirectly. Pushing beyond your comfort zone regularly can dramatically enhance your self-assurance and competence as a creative professional. This improved confidence translates directly into your photographic work, enriching your interactions and your ability to manage practical challenges like public shoots or portrait sessions.
Lastly, Kent delivers a sobering yet vital perspective about comparing yourself to affluent photographers whose backgrounds significantly differ from your own. He stresses the importance of grounding your ambitions in your personal circumstances, acknowledging the unique challenges you might face. Your journey will not replicate the trajectories of those you admire online, but this recognition can help maintain realistic expectations and prevent needless self-criticism. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kent.
