I accomplished one of my big goals for 2020: A second magazine publishing of a shoot of mine!

When I planned this goal in late 2019, I didn’t know if I could do it. “Is my work good enough?” was the biggest question on my mind. I love my work. I’ve gotten great compliments and recognition from other professionals. But is it publishable?

But here’s maybe the most important of the experience: you got to go for it! I don’t want to downplay anything. Here are some points to know:

• Pre-Production. I’m a planner. Everyone knows what the goals are. Everyone knows when, where and how. If there are any questions, we’ll get them resolved long before shoot day.

• Talent. The models. The makeup artist/hair stylist. You’re only as good as the people you work with. And I’m great at picking talent. Even before photography.

• Detail and Quality. These weren’t my first shoots and quality photography is always a top priority in my work. Making sure the lighting is just right. Making sure makeup and hair looks right. Communicating with the others.

I think the biggest reason why I felt a little nervous when submitting my work with magazines is how certain photographers talk about it. Trying to make it sound such a monumental undertaking. Trying to make themselves sound so knowledgeable. Such experts. But at least my reality of the process was different from theirs.

Your work will get rejected. If you’re a mere mortal, and everyone is at one point, your work will get rejected.

But so what? Do you always succeed? If you do, the bar isn’t raised high enough. And there are times where it’s completely out of your control. When there are other factors outside of the quality of your work that leads you to success or not.

The thing is: Just do it! The more you do something, the easier it gets. We hope!