I went to the eye doctor today for a check-in appointment. I’ve had 20/20 vision my entire life, but exams are part of our vision insurance plan, so why not use them? I expected to maaaaaybe need reading glasses, which I could get from Dollar Tree or something. I had already visualized myself snuggling on the couch with my dog wrapped in an oversized blanket, reading a book with glasses no one outside my family would ever see. Though I didn’t expect it, I had come to terms with this possible fate. It happens to most people my age.

My suspicions were validated throughout the appointment—or so I thought. I was sure I had slayed the exam. As the doctor swung the metal eye checker thingy away from my face, I smugly straightened myself up in the chair, preparing to hear the good news that my eyes were still amazing for my age. The Doctor turned to me smiling cheerfully and said, your near sight is perfect—somehow, I got another inch taller—but you need a correction for your far sight, so I’m recommending you wear them all the time. Do you want to look at glasses while you wait for your eyes to dilate?

Wait, what? That can’t be right. Seeing my shock, she showed me the difference between the clear vision of the lenses she prescribed and my vision without them. Stunned by the unexpected truth, I said, “Yeah, I guess I’ll go look.” And I stumbled out to the showroom to find my new identity.

The Power of Professional Opinion

Have you ever been surprised to learn that something you thought was good enough was actually sub-par after talking to a professional or comparing your work with another with more experience? I see this all the time in photography and went through it myself—thinking my photos were great, only to find out there was so much I didn’t know. Until you learn, you don’t know what you don’t know. Even though we all talk about a person having an “eye for photography,” no one picks up a DSLR or mirrorless camera and knows how to use it to its fullest potential or how to run a photography business without education.

Professional Photography Coaching and Mentoring

At Lancaster Photography School, we delight in all our students' ah-ha moments with us. Moving into an entirely online format means we don’t get as many chances to hear those exclamations. That’s why we created Office Hours Q&A sessions and 1-on-1 coaching opportunities. Both provide opportunities to get feedback directly from me. Sometimes, you don’t know what you are missing until you hear it from a professional. During Office Hours and Coaching meetings, you can ask specific questions, submit photos for review, get help with editing, talk through challenging client situations, or listen in on Q&A to see what others are asking and be part of a group of dedicated photographers ready to support each other.

Give the Gift of Photography Education

We are very excited to announce that, as of today, you can gift anyone the Kickstart Your Photography Business™ course or three one-on-one coaching sessions with me. Select “Send as a gift” at checkout. All you need is their email address!

You can schedule the gift to be sent up to six months in advance. If you have a photography lover in your circle, either will be the most thoughtful gift they will receive this year.