Butterflies and photos
I am talking about the butterflies in your stomach! Some call it stress, performance anxiety, stage fright or nerves.
Stress on the job is a good thing – the correct amount keeps you sharp and makes you perform behind the camera. Too many butterflies will suffocate your ability to perform. There is a middle ground – you want to manage your level of stress so that you succeed!
Early on in my photography career stress swarmed me days before a big assignment. I would have bad dreams. I couldn’t sleep. I wouldn’t allow myself to go for a run, play soccer – good stress relievers! – for fear of injuring myself just before a job. It became overwhelming!
I remember talking to Dave Andrews – printer and musician – about performance anxiety. He referred me to Kenny Werner – jazz pianist and author of “Effortless Mastery.” His book is written for musicians but is applicable to anyone needing to perform. It explores the ideas of controlling the butterflies and allowing yourself to excel. How does Harry cope with stress and performance anxiety?
- any outdoor sports – running, cycling, xc skiing, paddling, soccer
- yoga
- positive thoughts
- meditative deep breathing exercises
They are all connected. It works for me.
Harry