From Newbie to Click Pro Ambassador
I don’t know about you, but I just love seeing before and after posts, reading about photography journeys, and learning the progression to reach a goal. I couple of years ago I was accepted as a Click Pro Ambassador. I’d like to share with you a summary of how I got there. The journey wasn't easy nor short.
Let the learning begin!
When I first began learning how to operate my big Canon camera, I played with the dials a bit and took photos of everything! But, I just wasn’t achieving what I’d hoped. With no in-person workshops nearby, I searched online and finally found a Clickin’ Moms introductory class at Click Photo School. It was just what I needed. I began learning how to use my camera and continued to practice with some real knowledge under my belt. This class was so fabulous that I joined the Clickin Moms (now called Click Community) photography forum (a sister brand of Click & Co) where there are thousands of free tutorials for members, lots of kind help, and so much more. Shortly after taking my first workshop there, I joined a 365 group that set the bar pretty high and I learned so much from seeing others’ images. I kept shooting, taking classes, and more shooting. Then I learned that I needed to photograph in RAW and edit my images if I was really going to progress. More shooting. More workshops. Another 365. Editing. More shooting. More editing. Although I got lots of compliments on my photos, I secretly felt people were just being nice rather than honest. I wanted to KNOW if my work was good. But more importantly, I wanted to achieve Click Pro.
Portfolio Building
So, I began pulling a portfolio together while combing through the rubric of Click Pro Standards by placing and removing images until I felt it was ready. Next, I hired Megan Dill (who was a Pro and Mentor at the time) to review it for me. When she gave the go-ahead to submit, I was nervous and excited (and a little skeptical). But, I kept telling myself that if I didn’t get in, at least I would know where my photography weaknesses were.You can imagine how thrilled I was (and in disbelief) when I received my acceptance email. I kept thinking that there must have been a mistake. Anyone else feel like that?! Imposter syndrome was strong. Fast forward to now, and I have been accepted as an ambassador for the Click Pro program. I love that now as a Click Pro Ambassador I really have a focus for giving back to the Clickin Moms community by sharing about Click Pro, a program that has fostered my growth as a photographer.
What do I love about being a Click Pro? So many things!
Click Pro friends
shooting with Click Pro friends
1 - Camaraderie of the other pros. Putting together a portfolio is a LOT of WORK and knowing others out there who have gone through the same tedious evaluation of their own work is a comfort of sorts.
2 - Posting to the Daily Project, and seeing the work of others who really challenge themselves. There is so much eye candy there!
3 - Complimentary subscription to Click Magazine. Who doesn’t want that?!
4 - A listing in the Photographer Directory
5 - The opportunity to present workshops or breakouts
6 - Possible features in Click Magazine
7 - Exposure to vendors, stock companies, and thousands of others
8 - Submit an article for the Click Magazine blog
9 - Yearly membership to Click Community
What is not shown in this list of perks are the friendships, support, and encouraging words that are given and received through the Click Pro program. My photography has continued to improve because of my fellow Pro sisters and the many perks of the program. The relationships I have developed with my fellow Click Pros are some of the most treasured. Many online acquaintances have become friends in real life. Of course, there's a bit of shooting involved when we get together!
"But, I don't photograph people."
Perhaps you thought you needed to submit a portfolio of children or family lifestyle for Click Pro. Nope! Just really sound, strong photography of any genre. If you have ANY questions at all about pursuing your own dream of becoming a Click Pro, please reach out to me. As a Click Pro Ambassador, I'd be thrilled to answer your questions!
"I'm ready to apply to Click Pro!"
path to Click Pro Ambassador - early portrait
path to Click Pro Ambassador - portrait
Maybe you've been working on your portfolio and are ready to apply. Great! Feel free to use my discount code to receive $15 off the application fee: Click Pro Application Discount Best of luck to you!
Here is a little stroll through my photography journey. Above is the first portrait taken of my friend’s daughter during my first workshop at Clickin Moms. We were working on white balance and exposure. The second portrait is of the same child four years later for her eighth grade graduation. Yes, she sure grew. And so did my photography skills! I was accepted into the Click Pro program during the time between these two images. As my learning continued, I moved away from portraits and began shooting more landscapes, astrophotography, and still life. My fellow Click Pros were there to encourage me and help me improve. Here are a few Before and After images of those genres.
Landscape
Still Life
Astrophotography
path to Click Pro Ambassador - beginner astrophotography
path to Click Pro Ambassador - astrophotography
Ask Me Anything!
If you are at all curious about any of the features of Click & Co, especially the Click Pro program, please reach out to me. I would truly love to answer your questions.
*****
All landscape, fine art, and still life images are available for purchase.
Please CONTACT ME at nadeen@nadeenflynn.com with any questions or to schedule your learning session.
As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer in-person workshops, hourly lessons, and mentoring. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.
Serving Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.
(530) 633-7575