Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Corey Sievers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Corey, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I developed my work ethic through a combination of my upbringing and personal experiences. Growing up in a lower middle-class family with three siblings, we didn’t have a lot of extra money to spare. If I wanted things like name brand shoes, jeans, or a fancy BMX bike, I had to take matters into my own hands.
Around the age of ten or eleven, I decided to get a paper route. This was my first taste of responsibility and earning my own money. I quickly realized that if I wanted something, I had to work hard and save for it. This early experience taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and financial responsibility.
As I got older, I continued to work part-time jobs to support myself and cover my expenses. Two of my significant experiences were working in a diner as a dishwasher and doing farm work in the Summer. It was tough and demanding work, but it instilled in me a strong sense of work ethic and perseverance. I learned the importance of showing up on time, being reliable, and giving my best effort in everything I did.
Since then, I’ve carried these principles with me throughout my life. I understand that success doesn’t come easily and that I need to put in the effort to achieve my goals. My background and early experiences have shaped me into a hardworking and determined individual who is willing to put in the work to achieve success in any endeavor I pursue.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a freelance photographer based in Lawrence, Ks. My main focus is commercial product photography and creative portraiture. Having grown up in the 70s and 80s, my visual style is influenced by Saturday morning cartoons, comic books, and rock-n-roll album art. I like simple, clean lines and bold, saturated colors. As much as I’ve always loved snapping photos, I became serious about the art of photography by accident.
I had some old street art-style paintings I had done years ago hanging in my studio, and a friend asked if I’d be willing to trade one for a DSLR he was looking to unload, which I gladly did. I became obsessed, not just with learning the camera but also with studying the greats, like Eggelston, Meyerowitz, and Haas. Several camera bodies, lenses, and years later, I continue to sharpen and refine my skills. When I’m not on location or in the studio you can find me at home being mercilessly roasted by one, or more, of my four children.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Perfectionism has been the driving force behind my commitment to delivering the best possible results in every task I undertake. It has not only pushed me to strive for excellence but has also taught me the value of persistence and resilience. Through this trait, I’ve learned that setbacks are not roadblocks but rather stepping stones toward improvement.
Efficiency, on the other hand, has allowed me to make the most of my time and resources. It’s a skill that has enabled me to accomplish more within shorter timeframes, enhancing my overall productivity. Beyond work, it has provided me with the gift of time – time that I can allocate to personal growth, self-reflection, and nurturing relationships.
My unrelenting desire to learn has been the catalyst for adaptability and ongoing personal development. This trait has instilled in me the understanding that the world is ever-evolving, and to succeed, I must remain open to acquiring new knowledge and skills. It has also fueled my passion for growth, ensuring that I approach each day with a sense of curiosity and a commitment to being a better version of myself.
For those at the beginning of their journey, I recommend leveraging YouTube as a valuable free resource for learning. It’s a treasure trove of tutorials and insights across various subjects. However, remember that knowledge alone isn’t enough; you must actively apply what you learn through real-world practice. Embrace the learning process, don’t fear making mistakes, and continually refine your skills. Additionally, cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning by exploring other educational avenues beyond YouTube, such as books, courses, mentors, and hands-on experiences. This combination of accessible knowledge and practical application will help set you on a path to success.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Yes, I am currently facing a significant personal challenge. In June, I was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, and I am scheduled to undergo surgery this month. This diagnosis has understandably introduced a level of uncertainty into my life, making it challenging to take on extra projects at the moment.
However, I believe in turning challenges into opportunities. During my recovery period, I am planning to use my time wisely by working on a project I’ve wanted to pursue for years – creating a zine or monograph. This endeavor allows me to channel my creativity and focus on something meaningful during my healing process. While it’s a challenging time, I am determined to make the most of it and continue pursuing my passions
Contact Info:
- Website: coreysieversphotography.com
- Instagram: @coreyfromkansas
