It’s Guest Blog Wednesday featuring Glyn Dewis!

So who is Glyn Dewis? Well believe me, that’s a question I’ve struggled with more times than I care to remember. Don’t get me wrong, I know who I am as a person: I’m Glyn, 40 years of age (only just I hasten to add), I’m married and I live just outside of Oxford in the UK…that bit is easy. What I’m talking about here is who am/what am I when it comes to Glyn the Photographer?

Roughly 7 years ago one of my Uncles, who was always known as our family photographer, showed me how he could remove ‘red eye’ from his photographs using a piece of software called Photoshop. Literally in a split second it was gone and I was like ‘Wow!’ Now as someone who was brought up using computers, my first being an Amstrad CPC464 with the green screen monitor no less, I was immediately hooked.

Anyway, I managed to get hold of Photoshop 7 as it was at the time, but being the kind of person that I am I couldn’t just ‘play’ at it…oh no, I had to totally immerse myself and learn as much as I could and as quickly as I could.

I remember the first time I used Photoshop though; I was sat there with a coffee at my side all excited but rather than the expected ‘Hallejulah’ moment when it started up it was more like ‘Now what?’

My immediate reaction was to scour the internet for some kind of tutorial to set me on the right path and that’s exactly what I did. On the very first page that came up there was a link to something called the ‘National Association of Photoshop Professionals’; it looked really good, and the 3 guys Scott Kelby, Matt Kloskowkski and Dave Cross seemed to know a thing or two. So on complete and utter blind faith I signed up and became a member.

A few months later Photoshop CS was released and I found myself in Las Vegas, my very first trip to the USA, on my own at Photoshop World. Well, I say on my own but in no time at all I’d met up with and was hanging out with other attendees; people who to this day are still very special friends.

Photoshop World was incredible…I learned so much, made so many great friends and came home completely fired up. The motivation led me to studying for the Adobe ACE qualification which I took and passed. My knowledge of Photoshop grew to the point where I started retouching other photographers’ work and then eventually doing more with my own camera, a Nikon D200. I went on quite a few courses both in the UK and abroad and started building up a client base. However after a year or 2, feelings of confusion, frustration, wanting to throw the towel in and everything else that comes with it set in.

You see I’d started to feel lost…I didn’t know what I was as a Photographer. I mean was I a Wedding Photographer or a Portrait Photographer? Or did I want to take family photographs?…I just didn’t have a clue. One thing I did know though was that I needed to start making some money and fast… if not just to start building up the bank balance, but to show to my wife that she was right to believe in me and that I could make it happen and we could make a very good living out of my photography.

It didn’t help when all around me everyone else seemed to be having a ball; a never ending stream of clients, shooting loads, everything they touched turning to gold and never suffering doubt and frustration. So when Zack Arias released his Transform video it was like ‘Thank God…finally someone is telling the truth!’ Knowing that I wasn’t the only one who had feelings like this made a huge difference to me and was definitely one of the turning points.

So there I was knowing that the feelings I’m experiencing are normal, but still not knowing who or what I was. I certainly didn’t want to be known as a one trick pony, but I did atleast want to be able to give a credible answer when someone asked ‘What are you?’ Did I say Portrait Photographer, Editorial Photographer, Commercial Photographer? What did I specialise in…Family Photos, Headshots, Weddings, Sports, Music or Physique? Oh and one more thing ‘what was my style?’ Oh my god I hadn’t even thought about that. Not only did I not know what I was, but I didn’t know what my style was either!

So what about now?

Well I do now know who I am when it comes to my photography and my Photoshop. I’m nowhere near where I ultimately want to be, but knowing who I am and what I am means I can concentrate on constantly working on me, my business, and my skill level rather than having a head full of confusion and frustration. On that note I’d like to share a few thoughts with you that have certainly helped me to reach the point I’m at now, and I hope may in some way help you too…

Finding my Style:
On my blog I have a regular feature where I interview well known photographers and pose certain questions. One question concerns style and how on earth you get one. Each and every time I get the same response in that it just evolved; no conscious effort was made to have a style but rather it was something that seemed to appear over time. One person I interviewed put it another way in that he said he believes each and every time we take a shot we’re taking a photo of ourselves. Initially that was like ‘Whoa heavy!’ but when he explained it, it made perfect sense. Style is very much influenced by your life and your experiences, and once you’ve become competent in the art of photography and know your equipment like the back of your hand, then your style will begin to show itself. Up to that point it’s more a journey of discovery and for want of a better word ‘copying’

Style I believe isn’t something you can force. So if this is something that concerns you, take some of the stress away by just accepting that if you continue to shoot regularly it WILL reveal itself. Come to think of it look at certain photographers around the world, Zack Arias and Alan Hess for example…seems kind of natural they shoot what they do and the way they do right? I honestly don’t think it’s a coincidence but rather photography has naturally led them there.

Very much like the power of association in that you become those who you associate with, your style comes from the life you lead and the experiences you’ve had.

Marketing:
I can’t for the life of me remember who it was said this but:

Madness is defined as sitting at home on your computer and expecting to be ‘discovered’ and for the clients to come knocking on your door

Marketing is something I find doesn’t come naturally to me. In the past I’ve struggled with it and still do to some extent, but it’s an area I’m constantly working on. Facebook and Twitter are great tools but honestly…how many clients have you gained from them? Sure I do get clients that way but certainly not enough to sustain a healthy business, so it means I have to get out there face to face and meet people and do things the old fashioned way; scary stuff however…

An average photographer who’s great at marketing will make a fortune but a great photographer who’s poor at marketing will make very little

My goal, and this is something I always explain to people who come to my workshops, has always been for clients to hire me because they like what I do and they like ‘me’ as opposed to looking around and seeing that everyone is doing the same kind of thing, so who’s the cheapest…does that make sense?

Spinning too many Plates
When I first started my business and put my website out there for the public to see I thought the best thing to do was to show everything. My portfolio was made up of all kinds of sections: Portraits, Weddings, Food, Physique, Commercial and Personal but I soon found out that this was doing more harm than good; let me explain…

About 3 years ago Air New Zealand were scouting for a photographer to work with them on their new advertising campaign and my name was put forward by a previous client. Long story short, I didn’t get the contract. Out of curiosity I asked for feedback as to why I wasn’t picked and was told quite bluntly “We don’t know what you are.”

You see, by me showing all kinds of work on my site as opposed to focusing on a particular expertise, I’d confused a potential client. The answer? I slimmed everything down and resorted to one portfolio…Portraits. Fast forward 12 months and Air New Zealand are launching another campaign, so I put myself forward and guess what…I win the contract, and the email from the same art director 12 months previous said ‘Now we get you’

Practice, Practice, Practice
Apart from him being a complete wizard with Photoshop,. one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from my good friend Calvin Hollywood is to practice, practice, practice. Calvin is one of the hardest working guys I know…constantly pushing forward not just his skill level, but developing his business and himself.

Taking his advice I now put time in my diary every day where, for 30 minutes, I have to read some kind of self help, personal development or business skill book. At the moment I’m reading ‘The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs’ by Carmine Gallo, which I highly recommend if you ever give presentations or teach.

On the subject of books, anyone who knows me would testify that I am indeed a serial book buyer, but rather than before when I was almost behaving like a Trainee Librarian filling up my bookshelf with books I had hardly touched and some I hadn’t actually opened, I now set myself a goal of going through 1 complete book a month. I’m a slow reader so that to me is realistic but that’s still 12 books a year which is heck of alot of extra knowledge. Audio Books are great too; understandably not so for the Photoshop but as for self help, personal growth and business they work a treat.

I also set aside 30 minutes each day where I’ll concentrate on learning something new in Photoshop. This could mean spending time in forums, watching some kind of training video or simply experimenting and seeing what I can come up with.

If I don’t do something every day (however little), then how can I expect to improve?

Inspiration and Motivation
I’m always looking at other photographers work that I like for inspiration but try not to make the mistake of comparing myself as I used to do…a lot! This only creates negative thoughts and I liken this to my bodybuilding days in that it didn’t matter how big and strong I became there would always be someone bigger and stronger so there really is no point comparing.

The Answer to my Dreams
One of the biggest lessons regarding ‘gear’ I learned came from Zack Arias. Photography is one of those things where new kit is being developed constantly. The latest all singing all dancing bit of kit that will be the answer to your dreams seems to be invented on an almost daily basis. Zack’s philosophy is to use what kit you have so much that you get to the point where you totally know its limitations. Then and only then go out and get that new piece of kit because you’ll understand why you need it. Up until I’d followed this advice, I had a camera bag that was literally overflowing with kit that I very rarely used…if at all.

So who am I?
I love what I do: the process of making photographs, working through challenges to get exactly the shot I need, being creative with Photoshop, teaching others and all the people I’m meeting and friends I’m making along the way; genuine, good, honest people, the calibre of whom I’d never encountered before becoming involved in this industry.

The Photography world can be a frustrating one at times for sure, but I love it. It feels right and natural to me that I’m doing what I’m doing, and I truly wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. Sure there are many ups and downs and challenges ahead, but that’s just the nature of beast and I embrace that.

Within this wonderful community are people who will support and guide you, people who genuinely want to see you move forward and do so because they totally love what they do and this blog you’re on now belongs to one such person.

Thank you never seems enough, but there are people I’m proud to call friends and without whom I may never have picked up a camera and progressed with Photoshop, let alone have my own business: Scott Kelby, Calvin Hollywood and Matt Kloskowski amongst others…each of whom epitomise friendship.

It’s bizarre to think we’ve only known each other a relatively short time but meeting and becoming close friends with my buddy Dave Clayton was definitely a highlight of 2011 and then of course there’s my beautiful wife Anne: my ultimate motivation and motivator.

So who am I? I’m Glyn Dewis: Photographer, Retoucher, Trainer and Photoshop World Instructor :)

You can see more of Glyn’s work at GlynDewis.com and 500px, keep up with him on his blog, like him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter, and add him on Google+

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  1. Glyn, awesome guest post dude! I am so glad also to hook up with NAPP, to meet all the great photogs that I have befriended and come to know and learn from. Your photography is spectacular, I especially love the pic of the guy in the suspenders! Hope to get to meet you one day soon too!
    KT

  2. Glyn who ? They let any old riff raff on here now :0)
    Congrats buddy, great post and long may your success continue throughout 2012 and onwards. Proud to have you a a great friend ;)

  3. Inspirational stuff.  As I read the bit about how you started, and getting despondent, finding your style.  I can think yep, been there, done that, or yep, that’s where I am right now.  Its taken a few years to decide I am a portrait kinda guy and to only now develop a style of my own.

  4. Awesome post Glyn and well done! I’m very grateful to have met you and Dave recently and had so much advice and encouragement from you both. Looking forward to PSW in 1 month! #BritishInvasion

  5. Just brilliant Mate. My God…… It’s me just further down the path & a little less furry on top. Thanks for sharing & being so honest.
    There’s a lot of great advice here, stuff I’ve discovered myself & been told before but never has one person hit the nail firmly on the head. You sure this isn’t just for me & you posted it here by mistake ;)

    Long may your success continue & I’ll be trying to take a bit of your talent & determination home with me from this weekends workshop.
    Well done Mate

  6. I can identify with a lot of what you have said here Glyn.  The enduring
    element that comes across from your post is your passion. I think all
    creatives have that flame within themselves and it manifests itself in
    different ways. The most important thing, whatever route one takes, is
    to keep fanning that flame and keep it alive.

    Great to see your flame burning brightly!

    DT

  7. At new year I thanked a selected few for inspiring and influencing me in a similar way. You were one of those and even stopped by with a refreshing modesty to express your gratitude. I’ve now marked that post as private because it’s for me. It’s one of my ’30 minute reads’ if you like. It keeps me going.
    You may remember at your January character workshop I said people by people. I’m not wrong Glyn. This content in this blog article is evidence of why people will continue to buy into you. You are an honest, open and annoyingly talented dude and best of all, British! 

    Good luck my friend

    Will

  8. Inspiring – filled with fabulous images, I hope this gives you yet another boost in popularity & success. You deserve it!

    And if you don’t know Glynn I implore you to read his blog archives, full of gems, big and small that will help, push, inspire you all to produce better photographs.

  9. Many congrats on reaching another milestone in your career.
     
    I guess looking from the outside it’s been easier to see how your style and marketing have changed in the several years we know each other. The one constant though has always been your drive or determination to achieve the task at hand, whatever that may be. Best wishes for continued success in 2012 and beyond.
     
    PS Disappointed not have seen some images from your bodybuilding days in this post – something you can share in your session in DC then I guess? ;-)

  10. Glynn fabulous blog filled with terrific honesty and great life advice. So pleased to of met you Last year together with the curry gang. Continued success……David

  11. What a great post Glyn, I did enjoy that. It’s one of the best, if not the best, guest blogs on Scott Kelby’s blog that I have read. Very honest, positive and encouraging, thankyou.

  12. Pure awesomeness! You are that awesome Photographer, Retoucher, Trainer and Photoshop World Instructor for sure :)! So pleased that all of your hard work has paid off. Good things come to good people. Have fun :)!

  13. Thank you Glyn for speaking directly to me :) I enjoy your honesty and insight. Thank you Scott and Brad for hosting Glyn today. I don’t want to see anyone struggle, but it is refreshing to know that even the greats do to. Cheers! Have a great day.

    Mia.

  14. Glyn,
    It’s easy for me to draw a lot of parallels between my story and yours. This couldn’t have posted at a better time. I really needed a little focused clarity and encouragement from a photographer I admire and respect a lot today. Thank you!

  15. I knew that sooner or later Glyn would have to do a blog post, and it was worth the wait! Terrific advice, amazing shots. Now we just need that Kelby Training class…..     ;-)

  16. This was an excellent article shared by Scott today.  It speaks to all aspiring photographers.  One thing is very clear..is that it takes hard work.  Being a photographer capable of producing very good photos is not going to get you there alone.
    It reminds of an experience:  I was in a room of 300-400 fellow realtor students.  The instructor said that only 10% of us will succeed.  He said this is because, people are lazy.  I changed field…:)
    I am in the midst of growing my presence and doing something that most people neglect, a Business Plan.  This is helping me narrow my strategy and fine tune it immensely.
    Thank you very much, Mr. Dewis….and Scott for having the insight to know what we needed to know.

  17. Hey Glyn

    What can I say?  You will remember I wrote a post at New Year to thank a few selected people.  You were one of them.  Your response was refreshing, modest and full of appreciation that you are making a difference – a positive one at that.  I’ve now pulled that post.  It’s my ’30 minute read’ now if you like.  It’s the one that keeps me going in this direction and it feels right.

    I said to you recently that people buy people.  Some clever so-and-so said that once and it stuck with me.  People buy into you because you are honest, loyal, annoyingly talented and thankfully British!

    I am happy to admire your work, call you a friend and wish you and your family well.

    God bless 

    Will

    1. Will, what I can say? Thanks so much mate, it means alot to read that and ditto…great to have met you and now be able to call you a friend.

      Best wishes to you and yours,
      Glyn

  18. Glyn:

    Thanks for sharing your story, advice, and pictures!  A great read, and one that everyone can learn something from.  I’m still trying to find the one thing that I love in photography (leaning towards portraiture), so it’s good to see that that is normal.

    Hope to catch a class of yours at PSW sometime!  Are you teaching in PSW Vegas in the fall?

    –John

  19. What a great read.  I really appreciate your views. I too don’t know my style, but I am working on it however slowly.  Dave Clayton really is a great guy too!!!  I hope to meet you at a future Photoshop World.  I will be in Vegas in September.
    Mike

  20. Congrats on the guest blog post. This was a great read Glyn. Looking forward to watching your skills grow (which is hard to say considering your amazing talent). I’ve learned a lot from your personal blog posts on Photoshop and recommend it often. Looking forward to catching up with you again in person, either here in NYC or in the UK.

  21. Your blog post really resonated with me because it’s a vital topic that addresses the questions and concerns I’ve had in my photography journey. I’m still working through these issues and feel like all this should have been taken care of long ago. I continually feel like I need to start over.

    I’ve known that I need to address many things about my photography. I’ve been working a lot, but I need to do things better. I have amassed a lot of photography gadgets and a library of books, but find myself so inundated with everything that I hardly have time to put some things into practice.

    I was moved by Zack’s Transform video and it helps to remind me why I’m here. I continue to be inspired by so many photographers and have found encouragement in the photography community here. I am going to my first Photoshop World in DC this March and I’m really looking forward to it. I have enjoyed the teaching from Kelby Training seminars that have come through here, along with many other training resources available. Thank you for your post and for helping people get on the right path.

  22. The post is interesting, technically
    knowledgeable, superb illustrations and lucid language. However, I
    don’t get the part of “who I am”? “ what I am?”. Glyn Devis
    is a name, if you were not Glyn Dewis but shubhajit chakraborty, will
    you be a different individuality? Age is 40, and it is a number. It
    can affect on your personality but not your individuality. If you
    weren’t married, you would be married, that’s your marital status.
    You live in Oxford, working as photographer or illustrator, that’s
    your profession, but all those things do not define what you are or
    who you are. Who you are?

  23. Great images…. reminds me of “HDR meets Alice in Wonderland”.  Very inspirational messages too.  It’s good to know that I’m not the only one struggling with what non-photographers think are easy questions like “what is your style?” and “who am you?”.

  24. Excellent post, full of modesty and common sense. Thanks to Glyn for sharing this great source of inspiration, encouragement and permanent sense of self development ;)

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