A Guide to Automotive Photography- Part 4 - Handling Rejection

Before learning how to approach a company or potential client, a reality check is due. Let's face it, you aren't going to receive a yes every time you ask to shoot someone's car. "No" is the most common word automotive photographers hear. Many talented photographers don't reach their full potential because of the affect the word has on them. However, the best in the world have learned to be unaffected by rejection. They have been told hundreds of nos, far more than any amateur automotive photographer has ever received. They are only now being told "yes" more often because of their perseverance through the rejection.

When approaching a potential client it is important to understand that a "no" is far more likely than a "yes." When you realize this, a "no" won't feel like a slap in the face when it happens. You also may be pleasantly surprised by a "yes." IMPORTANT NOTE - This does not mean you should have a pessimistic outlook on everything. Understanding the reality of something and always expecting to be disappointed are two completely different things. Although both self-protect from the sting of refusal, one is healthy, and the other can potentially ruin your love for automotive photography.

Never think that a "no" means never.

Great automotive photographers understand that things take time. Lucky for us, a "no" from someone isn't as final as it seems. In the automotive industry, it simply means not yet. Unless you completely ruin the relationship after being rejected, usually you can come back later - and with more experience - asking again. This is why it is SO important that you respond to a refusal with humility and understanding. How you treated them last is how they will remember you next time. It doesn't matter how much you have improved or grown your following since you last asked. If you ruin a relationship after rejection, it will always be a "no" going forward.

There are many ways to lessen the chances of being told "no," and I will cover them in the future. But learning to handle rejection first will be hugely beneficial in the grand scheme of things.

Opportunities take time and investment, don't ruin your chances from the very beginning.