From technical challenges to international success

From technical challenges to international success

I want to tell you the story of how I overcame technical challenges and developed my creative voice to become an internationally recognized photographer. Follow along as I share my experiences, tips and tricks to help you on your way to living your dream of becoming a photographer.

Turn challenges into opportunities:

Understanding technical manuals can be a challenge for many of us. But I chose to take up this challenge, turn it around and find out: I DON'T LEARN A SHIT THROUGH A MANUAL!!!! Through personal 1-1 teaching, courses and workshops, I gained an understanding of the technical aspects of photography.

By building a solid knowledge base and practicing my skills, I gradually began to master the technical details. However, there have been a LOT of trial-and-error situations, and that's how you learn a LOT.... simply shoot "hands on" with your hands in the bun dough.

The discovery of my creative voice:

While working on the super challenging technical aspects, I knew that my creativity was my greatest strength. I started exploring different genres, experimenting with compositions and expressing my feelings through my images. This is where I found my unique voice as a photographer. I learned to look beyond the technical and create images that told stories and evoked emotions in you, my "recipients".

I have spent 10 years developing my "gut feeling", but from the start I had a clear vision of what I think is cool or not cool - it has to make my stomach tingle when I see a picture - otherwise it won't be selected. If I stand in the studio with something I don't really "feel", I shake the bag, change the light, move the model, change the model's clothes or SOMETHING that can change what doesn't quite work.

Building a Professional Brand:

An important part of living his dream as a photographer was building a professional brand. I started creating my own website and updating my social media profiles with my best works. I also participated in events with great networking opportunities and networked with other photographers and potential clients. This gave me the opportunity to present my work to a wider target audience and create a strong online presence.

Conquest of the international playground:

One of my biggest dreams was to become an internationally recognized photographer. By arranging international photoshoots for myself, I got the opportunity to gain exposure, network and recognition on a global level. Every time I have had a photoshoot abroad, the network has expanded with new models and make-up artists etc.

I attended workshops and events around the world where I learned from them best within the industry. This international experience expanded my network and opened doors to exciting opportunities. Names like Lindsay Adler and Tina Eisen is on the list of the REALLY talented photographers who have taught me and I have to say WAUW where you learn a lot, but just the kick in creativity and motivation you get from participating in workshops is simply a euphoria and you can't waiting to practice what you have learned yourself.

Living your dream:

Today I am honored to be able to say that I am living my dream as a professional international photographer. I have the opportunity to travel to amazing destinations, work with inspiring people and tell stories through my photos. But the road to success was not always easy. It required mega hard work, patience and persistence. As mentioned before, you don't get there sleeping - but the journey is beautiful!

Tips for following your photography dreams:

1. Embrace technical challenges as opportunities for learning and growth - don't be intimidated, but possibly seek help from others who "speak your language" if you don't understand it - we all learn in different ways
2. Find your unique creative voice and let it shine through your photos - stand BY your style! It is unique!
3. Build a professional brand by creating a website, updating your social media profiles and attending relevant exhibitions and events. Today, talent is not enough at all – you have to be VISIBLE! and this applies to social media, networking, etc
4. Pursue international opportunities through participation in photography competitions, workshops and networking events. (It could be my workshop in Spain - see more HERE)
5. Be persistent and don't let adversity stop you from pursuing your dreams. It is hard work – also with oneself…. but MAN! what a fantastic journey it is, despite the mountains to be climbed and dragons to be slain!

Pursuing your photography dreams can be a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. By overcoming technical challenges and developing your creative voice, you can achieve success and make a living from your passion as a photographer. Don't let anything stop you from following your dreams and creating images that speak to the heart and soul.

You should sit with butterflies in your stomach and be PROUD of yourself because YOU are doing what it takes to fulfill YOUR dream!

Thanks for reading along. I hope you got something in the "goody bag" and I wish you all the best on your own journey as a photographer!

Let me help YOU

Let me help YOU become a super skilled photographer who gets his beautiful pictures published in foreign magazines etc. Check out my 1-day workshops, but also do yourself the favor of checking out my 8-day photographer bootcamp, which is held at: SPAAAANIEEEN – see my previous blog post about it HERE. I can promise you that it will be the best investment in your photographer dreams that you can give yourself!

You can see the workshops here // Bootcamp in Spain you can see here

You are always welcome to send an SMS to 25157676 or an email to anja@anjaekstroem.dk if you have any questions about any of the workshops/bootcamps.

Enjoy the summer and fill yourself with a cold bowl 😉

XOXO

Anja