Doors Open To Those Bold and Brave To Knock

 

I'm really not a believer in "If the Door Does Not Open ~ It Was Not Meant For You" philosophy.  I say . . . I think doors open to those who are brave enough to knock AND keep on knockin'!  I think we have to be a persistent photo stylist.

The biggest styling assignment successes I have in my career have been because I was bold enough to knock. (and keep knocking.) Just a few stories of when I knocked and the door opened:  I walked into TJX Companies Corporate Office {Yup! ~ the Home Goods, Marshalls, TJ Max companies!} without an appointment to show my Portfolio.  They actually called an Art Director who did meet with me on the spot to look at my Portfolio Work. Honestly, they were probably thinking . . .  WHO is this crazy women who thinks she can just walk into our corporate office and ask the Receptionist/Greeter to see an Art Director or Hiring Manager?!?  We gotta be bold and brave!  I have done many things like this before! lol!  I will tell you, it gets easier.  (& it's gets alot less scary when you get the meetings, jobs, etc.)  Part of what we need to do is take messy action instead of striving for perfection.  We just need to jump in!

Another Story:  I received an interview (and got hired) for an Interior Company by asking the Director of Photography at an Event for an interview. I knew he was going to be at Event AND he was selecting just 3 Websites to "critique" as part of presentation he was giving at Event.  You guessed it ~ I threw my "hat in the ring" and he selected my site!!  After his presentation, I went up to thank him and chat and asked him if he could help me get an interview with the Creative Director (the person who hires the Photo Stylists.) He did get me the interview and I did get the job. So, you need to be bold and brave and knock on that door and . . . 

▪️ Ask that Photographer to test with you.
▪️ Ask that store if they will lend you items for your photo shoot.
▪️ Ask that Lead Stylist if you can assist them.
▪️ Ask that Styling Agency to represent you as an Assistant (Principal or Lead Stylist)

Please know that in time the “knocking” will definitely be less scary and you will be happy you did. So, onto the cheesy 🧀;)  Little' fun fact:  I get a little relentless in my pursuits! lol  After countless times of contacting a company with no return call or email, I took it to the next level to send a HUGE box of colorful and patterns and playful toy balls. I'm a Children's Lifestyle Photo Stylist working for children's brands so THIS outreach makes sense! (Well, as much "sense" as sending a bunch of toy balls to someone could be! lol) Well, I got a call back the same day I sent them!!

I hope you are inspired to be brave, knock on those dream doors you want to open & to be a littl' cheesy!  (Cheesy to me = creative.) And after all, we as Photo and Prop Stylists are hired for our creativity, right!?!  So, you are just illustrating and showing your creativity. ;)

Need questions (or ideas!) reach out to me!  I'm happy to help!


Bonnie ~


Image Credit ｜ Editorial Stock Images