Rikki Rivera | Photographer » Wedding & Portrait Photography

We like you for you

“If there’s something you believe in and want to put out into the world, even if it’s a bit different, just go do it.” – Chloe Coscare

“Don’t worry about being original. Just be authentic.” Elizabeth Gilbert

_RKR8436 _RKR8533 RKR_3606

I don’t like to talk about things that are controversial.  I don’t care for arguing or causing a one-sided view on anything, especially on the internet. I appreciate an easy going nature and a zest for life, not drama. With that being said, I thought about skipping the last day of this challenge for that reason alone. Then I really dug deep and thought of what I might be passionate enough about to share in this space. Well, there is one little thing.

Creativity: the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns,  relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms,  methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or  imagination.

I feel that we lose a lot of creativity because of social media. We are afraid of sharing new things because it might not be accepted, but also because so many of us have been only liking the trending stream of certain types of images. I do understand, however, that there comes a style with various social medias, but the purpose is yours alone. I say images because that’s essentially how we share online. Sometimes our words matter, other times not much. I am completely guilty of this myself. I had seen a friend post on Instagram, a caption that said, “the most “Instagram” looking portrait I’ve ever taken.” That kind of stuck with me. What does that even mean? We’re all trying to copy a similar idea/style to gain followers and popularity. It took me awhile to translate quality versus quantity into social media and realize that while I hope to inspire and encourage people through my work, that it’s also genuine.

Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being inspired by others’ work and molding that to fit your style. In fact, that’s pretty much what creativity is. I read in the book, How To Steal Like An Artist, that no idea is original. Someone has thought of it before, and that’s ok. We simply change those things into what we feel is a good fit for us. We ALL had to begin somewhere. Our work likely sucked back then, just like everyone else who is just starting. Take time, be patient, put in the work, and you will perfect your craft. Study others who inspire you and learn from them.

I watched an inspiring CreativeLive session once with a talented photographer, where she also created a Facebook group for her followers to come together and share their work and get critiqued. It wasn’t long before I saw literally every single person in that group completely change the face of their business to do exactly what she was doing, because she shared her secrets about her success. If you think it’s a good fit for you, go for it! I understand that it takes practice, but there is a certain level of “natural” in your talent. I absolutely incorporated some of the lessons I learned from her, but I did not change my business. The same can be said for presets and filters that are offered. There’s nothing wrong with using a tool someone else has worked hard on and perfected. But you can CUSTOMIZE that tool to a personal style of your liking. You don’t have to use them at full capacity to be like everyone else who is using it, and I think that’s most where creativity is falling apart.

All in all, social media is an insanely powerful tool. It can make or break so many businesses these days, including my own. Most businesses wouldn’t even exist without social media. And whether you have a business or it’s just for your personal use, absolutely use it to its full potential, but don’t be afraid to stand out. Start your own trend, be daring. You might be the new face of something incredible!

Thank you all for reading along. View Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3 + Day 4 + Day 5 + Day 6 of this blogging challenge.

  • Tanya Patxot - October 22, 2014 - 2:56 pm

    I can so agree. I love your creativity.The funny part is why worry since we are behind a computer anyway and no one will see us hahaha. I can say though I appreciate all types of art and creativity and being online they do coach alot of following the what’s hot trend. #feelgoodbloggingchallenge Reply Cancel

  • Arica J. Clauson - October 22, 2014 - 4:41 pm

    ugh, I just want to reread this post over and over, I love it so much! It is so true and honestly I have not written my last post yet either, all I have down is that I am not a controversial person, so obviously we are similar! If you can do it, I can do it too! Plus I can’t give up on a challenge! 😉

    Arica, xxo
    http://www.varnakandlollies.com Reply Cancel

  • Random Little Faves - October 22, 2014 - 4:52 pm

    I agree with you 100 PERCENT!! Such a great post and message. I feel like another problem is because of social media there is so much competition with regards to creativity (which is why I think the issue of copying certain styles happens so frequently). Especially in the photography world, there are ‘celebrities’ that everyone feels they need to mimic in order to look ‘creative’. Just because someone is successful with whatever they created doesn’t mean that’s the RIGHT way…it’s just their way. There’s more than enough room for all the wonderful ideas from everyone! (Sorry…I could keep going on and on, LOL). Wonderful post, as always!! Reply Cancel

  • Jessica - October 22, 2014 - 5:03 pm

    I actually quoted Kleon in my last post! (I love that book Steal Like an Artist. This blog post is speaking some real truth! The key is to develop your own style through your inspiration. I think that concept is often overlooked. Thanks so much for sharing! Reply Cancel

  • Shreya Yugendranag - October 22, 2014 - 5:49 pm

    i’ve wanted to say this for a while, but just from a technical standpoint, your blog is so inviting. the font, the way you present images before you write- it’s a good, good package (Y) Reply Cancel

  • Karen Yannacio Morse - October 22, 2014 - 5:50 pm

    Agreed! I love posting, but also get timid if I “think” someone might think my photo is “too” instagrammy… Cool post! 🙂 Reply Cancel

  • Sue Ann Simon - October 26, 2014 - 1:04 pm

    This is so true. I follow many photographers online and with every post they make, people ask about every single setting and do the exact same thing. Sure when you’re just starting but I think it is important to ask why they took the shot which can be helpful to help you find your inspiration. I didn’t realise you were also in her Facebook group. It is probably the most positive place I’ve experienced online for photographers. I have been in many photog groups and many aren’t nice to newer photographers. Reply Cancel

  • Sherri Hall-Rivera - March 18, 2015 - 6:34 am

    Beautiful Rikki. Endlessly proud of you. SUCH an exceptional woman you’ve become and evolve more into daily. Simply amazing !! I Love you. Reply Cancel

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

*

*