Practice makes progress

The post title is a quote I heard recently which really resonated with me. I consider myself a bit of a perfectionist and since I’ve started drawing and painting, I’ve have to realise that not everything I produce will be great, however, if I don’t try I’ll never get better.

So to the images… the first image was taken when walking through Glencoe in 2009 and the second in 2014. I have had an interest in photography and the outdoors or many years. Today, I consider the first image a snapshot (though I still like it). In the period between these two images, I have taken thousands of photos (not alway landscapes) and many times I went back to Glencoe to take images of Stob Dearg (this munro is Scotland’s most photographed mountain) which is the highest peak of Buachaille Etive Mòr.

During the years between these images, I practiced, researched and learnt a number of photography skills including improving my understanding the settings on the camera, composition, location scouting and the effect of the time of day and light on landscape images. Practicing these skills helped to make a better image. Looking back at the image on the right, I consider I have progressed my skills in photography, however, I can also say (not too critically) that there are elements of how I took that image which could be improved for next time. It’s not perfect but I am happy with the progress.

Now in relation to business, for those who do not have the finances to hire expertise (or choose not to), they may have to take the time to learn (or simply improve their) skills, be it to refine a product or service, marketing or using social media to promote a business. For those who are on such a journey - enjoy the process of learning, ask for input from those who have tried before (both those who have succeed and failed) and simply continue to practice you skills. Progress will come.

Recently, are there any personal or business skills that you have been practicing?