Many photographers can relate to this: You have ideas, but you can’t seem to get to finish them. Motivation quickly fades when something doesn’t work right away or a project is harder than expected. Even practical tasks, such as updating your website or reaching out to new clients, often remain on your “to-do” list. Larger projects, such as starting a freelance job or finally continuing your photo series, often remain just nice plans in your head.
Following the motto “I’ll start when the right moment comes,” weeks or even months pass by. You lose not only time but also energy — and sometimes even the desire to pursue an idea that was actually really good. Here’s the catch: the perfect moment rarely comes on its own. The perfect moment is the one you create for yourself. It doesn’t require external circumstances; it requires one thing above all else: your will to stick with it and just do it.
Perseverance instead of giving up. Why endurance matters in photography
You have talent and ideas, but without perseverance, it will be difficult to become a successful photographer. In addition to creativity, communication, and networking, assertiveness is a key factor for success. This does not mean blind ambition or recklessness. Rather, it’s about positive qualities such as endurance and the ability to stick to your vision and goals, even when things get tough.
A colleague of mine likes to call this important quality “forbearance” — something that many young photographers underestimate. When working on freelance projects or developing a theme, you need more than creative ideas; you need the will to really dive deep. Not everything will work right away. Sometimes, quick feedback is hard to come by. But that’s what separates the serious from the hopeful. In a lot of great work, whether at festivals, in photo books, or portfolios, you can sense that these photographers stuck with it with genuine conviction and commitment.
Find your theme: What interests you the most will take you the furthest
Willpower doesn’t develop on its own. It grows when you find a theme that interests you — something that moves or inspires you or won’t let you go. Maybe it’s a theme that plays a role in your life. It could be based on your experiences, background, or knowledge. The important thing is that you have a personal connection to it. That’s the only way you’ll stick with it; not just for a few days, but for a long time. Real creative perseverance doesn’t usually come from a sense of duty, but from genuine motivation. So ask yourself: What keeps you going? What questions do you want to ask? What stories do you want to tell? When you find a topic that sparks your curiosity, you’re much more willing to put in the work required for a deep project. This is precisely the basis for long-term relevance, whether in editorial, artistic, or commercial photography.
Structure helps. How can you stay on track?
Even if you’re passionate about your topic, without structure, the best idea can fizzle out. That’s why it’s important to establish clear working structures. One proven method is to create a mind map. This helps you organize your thoughts, recognize connections, and break the topic down into concrete steps. You can see where you want to start and which aspects interest you most. You can also visualize and expand on your ideas. Mind maps bring order to the creative process without limiting you.
At the same time, you need people around you who support you. Find people who can give you feedback: mentors or colleagues who will work with you to refine and develop your idea further and tell you honestly what works and what doesn’t. Such sparring partners are invaluable, especially when it comes to refining your project and potentially publishing it. Yes, the whole process takes time. But it’s time you should invest wisely.
Creative perseverance pays off for you and your career
Photography is more than technique, style, and Instagram reach. It’s about expressing yourself through your images, which requires depth and persistence. Willpower isn’t an innate talent. You can develop it through motivation, structure, and a subject that truly inspires you. Good ideas that arise from genuine curiosity have a long shelf life. They don’t depend on trends but carry you through the years. Many successful photographers, whether in art, journalism, or advertising, have worked this way. They found a theme they were passionate about and stuck with it despite doubts, resistance, and external pressure.
Later, when you talk about your work in exhibitions, at talks, or when pitching to clients, people will notice not just beautiful images, but also genuine commitment, perseverance, and personality. That’s what makes the difference. So: Focus on what drives you. Develop your own path. Stick with it, even when the going gets tough.
Recap
- Assertiveness is crucial. Stick with it, even when the going gets tough!
- Find your passion! What motivates you personally will keep you going in the long run.
- Structure helps! Tools such as mind maps help you keep track of things.
- Get feedback! Exchanging ideas will help you progress and stay motivated.
- Good ideas take time. Perseverance makes your work strong and credible.
By Silke Güldner
Silke Güldner is a coach and consultant for photographers and creative professionals.
