As a photographer there is one major thing that will elevate your work to another level (this can apply to any profession). Make wise decisions by investing in people. There’s a couple of old Proverbs that were written at different times but perfectly build off of one another.
The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
On a side note, as this Proverb states, achieving a major project that maybe seems overwhelming only needs you to start. Just start acquiring ground towards your goal. (Rabbit trail)
The next proverb I want to connect is:
A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out.
So acquire wisdom and in doing so gain understanding, that understanding will help you tap into and pull out the strengths of people around you. Taking a meaningful portrait of someone has a lot in common with these proverbs. Learn those whom you labor among in order to draw out the best in them, in order to draw out the story of their life.
Be wise and build up others. Be wise and understand others. Be wise and draw out the best in others. It will make you and your work better more then anything else you could attempt.
Images of the super talented JD McPherson.
