The ‘T’ Technique of Success

T technique: Broad generalization (across X axis), and deep specialization going down (Y axis).

A tip on how to succeed as a modern photographer, embrace the ‘T’ Technique— broad generalization across many disciplines (the top of the T) and deep specialization in one domain (the line of the T that goes downward).

Broad generalization and erudition

General knowledge across many disciplines

The top of the T: Broad knowledge over many domains.

For example, I have general and superficial knowledge in many different fields such as:

Economics
Philosophy
Physics

Deep specialization and expert knowledge

But I have very deep knowledge in photography. This is what I am an expert in. Therefore, I can draw upon my broad array of knowledge from my general fields, to come up with novel ideas.

For example,

Economics x Photography = Photography Entrepreneurship
Philosophy x Photography = Personal Photography
Physics x Photography = Dynamic Tension Theory in Photography

Essentially, by having broad knowledge, you can combine your specialized knowledge to create something totally new, interesting, and innovative.

Succeed as a modern photographer

Therefore to succeed as a MODERN PHOTOGRAPHER, don’t just be a photographer. Cross-pollinate and combine all your skills and interests, to create novel ideas, in order to stand out.

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Super special knowledge

The arrow is my knowledge on photography, the red triangle is my sub-specialty or ‘street photography’

The way I’m really able to succeed and thrive is because I have super-specialized knowledge in my specialty of photography, which is street photography.

One principle of success as a modern photographer:

Better to be a big fish in a small pond, than a small fish in a big pond.

So what small genre, or small specialty can you dominate, and focus at least 5 years of your life on?

For me, I devoted thousands of hours and shots of espresso to produce STREET PHOTOGRAPHY 101 and LEARN FROM THE MASTERS OF STREET PHOTOGRAPHY. This is what helped me become #1 on Google for ‘street photography’.

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Assignment: Write down your skills and cross-pollinate

Write down your list of strengths, interests, and personal curiosities. Then, see how you can cross-pollinate and combine your other interests to make you stand out as a photographer.

How can you cross-pollinate your skills as a programmer, computer scientist, or technologist to apply your skilled knowledge on technology to photography?

How can you apply your business consulting skills to help your photography clients?

How can you use your Sociology, psychology, or social work major to help build connections with others, communities, and your photography clients?

BE BOLD,
ERIC