We caught up with the brilliant and insightful IJfke Ridgley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

IJfke, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I think working as a creative is a constant challenge, a rollercoaster of emotions (and income!) that seems never-ending. For me the hardest part about being a freelance photographer is the lack of a roadmap to success. There is very little transparency in the industry or communication between photographers about rates, clients, etc., so you’re left figuring it all out on your own for the most part. On the days when I’m shooting I might be around other people, but the majority of the time I work alone and it can be hard to get proper feedback on your work. I myself flip-flop between thinking, “hey, that’s not bad!” to hating all my work and wanting to throw in the towel. While friends and family may be supportive and say they love your work, it is hard to really value the opinion of an untrained eye, which leaves the marker of success being how much you are being hired. It’s very easy to feel like you’re failing when the bookings aren’t coming in. The times I’ve thought about quitting and doing something else, I recognize that I will still shoot what I want to for myself, paid or unpaid. If I’m going to put in all that effort anyway, it might as well be my job. And then I’m back to square one!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a photographer who specializes in fashion and travel, although the market is small in Hawaii so I end up shooting a variety of other subjects, from swimwear to portraits. I won’t shoot events or weddings, though. I’ve been shooting since I was in high school, dressing friends up and shooting them around the island, until I realized that there were people who did this for a living. Then I moved to New York to learn about assisting, production, and lighting. I’ve been doing it as a full-time job for about 8 years.

I travel a lot and try to live in other countries on a regular basis, which has made me focus part of my work on travel content. I also do travel writing to go along with this, which makes me more of a package deal for editors and helps to stand out from others.

Generally I think my strength is that I can do more than just photography – I write and can do the styling as well. I have a strong point of view when it comes to the fashion on the shoot and hope to bring a global flair — be it from the clothing or the location— to my work.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I don’t know if it is as much about particular resources, but I wish that I had really understood the value of consistency and about growing with the contacts around you. It is really hard to see progress when you are in it, but know that if you stick to something you will improve naturally over time and you will climb the ladder of success. Also, those who are working at your low level when you begin – other stylists, producers, designers, etc – will be a valuable resource as their careers grow alongside yours. I also think I would make more photographer friends – this job can be very isolating and competitive and it helps to have someone else with whom you can bounce ideas about clients, rates, etc.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing for me is the freedom of making my own schedule and decisions – this is something I am unlikely going to be able to ever give up by my own choice! I will always be driven to make beautiful things. Sometimes this process is very demoralizing and full of self-doubt and critique, but when you “knock it out of the park” so to say, there is really nothing like that sense of accomplishment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ijfke.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ijfkephoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ijfkeridgleyphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ijfke-ridgley-38746951/

Image Credits
IJfke Ridgley