We live in a world where instant gratification is expected; however, in photography, the reality is often very different.

I’m going to be frank here: when it comes to photography, including using your Picfair Store - in this case, uploading your images, then doing nothing and expecting instant results, isn’t going to do anything for you, and this is where frustration creeps in. In reality, you need to actively work to build your photography practice, but also have a tonne of patience in the process.

I’m not saying this to be discouraging; I'm simply saying that if you’ve chosen to start a photography journey, it is going to be a long one. But this isn’t a negative; it’s actually a huge positive. It can give you years, if not decades, of fulfilment.

The thing that makes photography so special for many is just how steep the learning curve is, from picking up a camera for the first time to getting the best shot you’ll ever take or reaping the financial rewards of a standout portfolio. There’s a massive amount of learning in between those stages, not to mention the significant amount of time it takes to perfect your practice.

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Why Being a Great Photographer Takes Time

Photography isn’t supposed to be something you pick up and then master instantly, nor has it ever been.

Photography is a craft that rewards consistency, patience, and above all, curiosity and willingness to learn and experiment with your camera. The pictures you take today might not be your best, and at times you may feel low about your work and feel you’re making little progress. But remember, every single image you take is part of that journey and leads you to becoming a better photographer. You may not feel that at the time, but if you keep pushing yourself, you’ll see results. To see your evolution, a good practice is to compare images you took the year before with what you’re doing now. If you've been regularly taking pictures and willing yourself to learn, you’ll absolutely see the difference.

There are not really any quick wins or shortcuts to being a photographer or being in any creative industry. Think of the photographers whose work you admire. Did any of those become amazing photographers overnight? Absolutely not-they’ve perfected their craft over the years to get to where they are now.

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Enjoying Photography As a Slow Process

Once you start treating your photography as something to be enjoyed slowly, everything changes!

You’ll find your mindset moves, you’ll stop chasing results, and instead simply enjoy the art of taking pictures. That’s what I found personally, too. Once I took the pressure off myself to “get results”, I found that I enjoyed taking pictures so much more. And any exposure or sales of my work just felt like a bonus. That’s not to say you shouldn’t have a marketing strategy in mind, but this too should be slow and well-considered (more on that below).

Go Slow With Your Marketing, Too

Just like your photography, your marketing strategy should also be slow and considered.

When you first start, you might be tempted to post your photography everywhere, at once, and expect an instant response. However, in reality, a steady, consistent approach will benefit you so much more in the long run.

Start small and build up gradually. Share your images where they feel most at home, whether that’s on social media, in photography groups, or through a personal contacts. It’s important when starting out to focus on genuine connections with interested customers, rather than soulless self-promotion of your work. You should let people discover your work naturally, and give them time to appreciate it.

A single, thoughtful post or well-curated Picfair Store update can do far more for your growth than a flurry of rushed activity. Take your time to find what works, and let your audience grow at its own pace.

For some inspiration, we have heaps of marketing guides here on Focus, and a good place to start is with our interview with emerging photographer Ethan Parker. Where he shares his 5 top tops fo marketing yourself as a photographer.

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The Bottom Line

Photography is a slow game, and that’s exacly why it’s so rewarding. The longer you stick with it, the more you learn, and the more your work starts to reflect who you really are as a photographer. The same goes for building your Picfair Store and your audience: small, steady steps make a lasting difference.

So don’t rush it. Enjoy the process of learning, experimenting, and refining your craft. Keep shooting, keep uploading, and keep showing up, because success in photography doesn’t come overnight, but it does come to those who stay the course.