Podcast Summary: This Can't Be That Hard - Episode 301: The Power of Personal Work with Trish Chong
Host: Annemie Tonken
Guest: Trish Chong
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Title: The Power of Personal Work with Trish Chong
1. Introduction
In Episode 301 of This Can't Be That Hard, host Annemie Tonken welcomes Trish Chong, a seasoned photographer and educator, to discuss the profound impact of personal projects on both personal growth and business sustainability. The episode delves into Trish's renowned January Project, a daily practice that has not only enriched her personal life but also enhanced her professional endeavors.
2. Meeting Trish Chong
Annemie begins by sharing her initial encounter with Trish Chong at the Family Narrative Conference in 2018. She describes Trish as a "compelling human" with a "genuine and emotionally attached" approach to her work (00:00). Their friendship, fostered through mutual respect and shared passions, sets the stage for an insightful conversation.
Notable Quote:
Annemie Tonken: “She reminds me of why I love doing the work that I do, of how incredible the people in our industry are.” (00:00)
3. Trish Chong’s Journey in Photography
Trish Chong reflects on her 18-year career in photography, initially focusing on weddings before transitioning to family photography to accommodate her desire for "freedom, flexibility, [and] lifestyle" (05:33). Over the past decade, she has expanded her role to include education, sharing her expertise with aspiring photographers.
Notable Quote:
Trish Chong: “I am so grateful” as she approaches her 18th year in business (05:33).
4. The January Project
At the heart of the discussion is Trish’s January Project—a personal endeavor initiated in response to Kristin Cook’s Instagram project. Each January, Trish commits to taking one black and white photo daily, accompanied by a written reflection. This disciplined practice serves as a "personal investment" with multifaceted benefits (05:33).
Notable Quote:
Trish Chong: “It’s a personal investment, but it has paid off in so, so many different ways, both personally and in business.” (05:33)
5. Structure and Evolution of the January Project
Trish explains that while the core of the project remains consistent—focusing on family life and capturing moments—weaves through various seasons of her life as a mother (07:53). The discipline of daily photography and writing fosters gratitude and reflection, creating a tangible "time capsule" for her children to revisit in the future.
Notable Quote:
Trish Chong: “It’s like how I time travel. I can revisit that pocket of January life.” (08:13)
6. Personal and Business Benefits
The January Project has profoundly influenced Trish’s business approach. By maintaining a personal practice aligned with her values, she attracts "aligned clients" who resonate with her authentic storytelling (23:19). This alignment fosters deeper connections and meaningful conversations, enhancing client relationships without overtly sales-driven tactics.
Notable Quote:
Trish Chong: “It causes people to like maybe have a little comment or a question. Especially... you’re just being one human to another and you’re connecting first.” (24:31)
7. Impact on Creativity and Burnout Prevention
Annemie emphasizes the importance of maintaining passion in photography for long-term sustainability. Trish’s practice of personal projects serves as a remedy for burnout, keeping her grounded and connected to her creative roots. This alignment between personal joy and professional practice ensures sustained motivation and business health.
Notable Quote:
Annemie Tonken: “Most photographers, the part that they love about their business is the art.” (17:16)
8. Practical Advice for Photographers
Trish shares actionable insights for photographers looking to implement their own personal projects:
- Commitment to a Finite Period: Choosing a manageable timeframe, like a month, to ensure consistency without overwhelming.
- Accountability Through Sharing: Posting daily can boost adherence through public commitment.
- Personalization: Tailoring the project to reflect individual passions and life stages, making it inclusive for those without children.
Notable Quote:
Trish Chong: “If you want to put your thoughts into that and give it a go and maybe take, like, one action step... it will reward you in more ways than you know.” (30:11)
9. Extending the Practice Beyond Family Photography
While Trish’s project centers on family life, she underscores its universal applicability. Photographers, irrespective of their specialization, can adapt the concept to their unique contexts—be it capturing personal hobbies, professional interests, or daily inspirations.
Notable Quote:
Trish Chong: “It can just be a practice of gratitude and if you can weave it into your visual practice... it will bring amazing benefits throughout your career.” (15:35)
10. Conclusion and Resources
Trish concludes by directing listeners to her resources, including a slideshow showcasing a decade’s worth of her January Project and downloadable prompts to help others embark on similar personal projects. These tools are available on her website, TaylorLeePhotography.com/freebie.
Final Quote:
Trish Chong: “What would you do if you couldn't fail? For this type of work, there’s just no way you can fail.” (30:11)
Annemie wraps up the episode by reiterating the value of personal projects in sustaining passion and business health, encouraging listeners to explore their creative potentials and maintain meaningful connections through their work.
Key Takeaways:
- Personal Projects Enhance Business: Engaging in structured personal work can lead to increased creativity, client alignment, and business sustainability.
- Consistency and Accountability: Regular commitment, aided by public sharing, fosters discipline and long-term adherence.
- Universal Applicability: The principles of personal projects can be tailored to fit diverse personal and professional contexts.
Resources Mentioned:
- Trish Chong’s Freebies: TaylorLeePhotography.com/freebie
End of Summary