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Hey Reader

I was reading the other day, and something stood out to me that I wanted to share with you:

“Perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. Show up, improve and keep going.”

As a photographer, I’ve always strived for perfection.

But I’ve found that chasing perfection can sometimes hold me back from doing what I’ve planned.

Take a shoot I was once booked to do for Burger King.

The chef had created some new recipes, and a taste testing session had been organised in Germany.

They needed images for the event.

I went to the head kitchens where all the new recipes are developed.

Along with a food stylist, I photographed some of the most amazing burgers I’ve ever seen in my life.

They were works of art, beautiful to look at, and as I found out at lunchtime, even better to eat.

But getting back to the story…

The chef brought in each dish.

We had around 8 or 9 new recipes to photograph, from burgers to ice creams, and exciting new flavours of fries.

The food stylist presented each item to perfection, and I captured every recipe from as many angles and viewpoints as I could.

I went home and prepared for the editing process.

Over the next two weeks, I received quite a few very specific edit requests:

• Could I add a little extra lettuce to the far left of the burger, just peeking out from under the bun?
• Could I add a couple of extra sesame seeds to the top of the bun, just off-centre?
• Could I add a bit of juice to the burger patty?

Of course, the customer’s always right.

I made all the edits they asked for.

And while it’s good to aim for perfection, I couldn’t help but think:

Would anyone looking at the images really say to themselves,

“Hmm, that bun needs two more sesame seeds just to the left”?

Probably not.

My point is this:

It’s okay to want things to be great.

But don’t let the pursuit of perfection stop you from moving forward in your photography business.

Business is never perfect.

It’s part winging it, part hoping you nailed the shot, and part hoping your clients love your editing.

Business is about progress.

It’s about showing up, improving, and continuing;

Even in the tough times.

Even when it feels like nothing’s working.

One thing I’ve loved since coming back to photography over the past few years is the constant learning.

There’s always a new technique to try.

A fresh idea to explore.

So, I just want to remind you,

You’re doing an amazing job.

You’re showing up, doing the daily work, getting better, reaching for your goals.

And becoming the photographer and business owner you want to be.

Nicky x