03/05/2025
Cage reached out to me this past summer to inquire about a magical, fantasy Pre-Raphaelite nymph as a birthday treat to herself. During our planning phase, one of our first discussions was about theme/vibe - immediately she emphasized wanting to feel elegant & ethereal, but also powerful (which can we agree that she looks so enchantingly soft but also strikingly fierce?!). I really admired Cage in our conversations - she had a clear vision, expressed it with confidence & vigor, & really embodied the powerful energy she conveyed in her photos.
The other day I was chatting with a dear friend (thank you for always listening ) and rambling about how I sometimes felt like an imposter as a photographer. I went through all the negative thoughts buzzing around it my head: that I felt like no one would take me seriously because only do photography on the side, and that because I haven’t been able to turn it into a full time business that I must not be good enough or be lacking , so when clients learn that I don’t do it full time, they may choose not to book me because they want someone of more esteem who was able to create a successful full-time business.
Now, to be fair, most clients don’t even realize I’m a nurse & don’t do photography full time until the day of our session (if at all), but at the same time I definitely don’t want to be dishonest and not share it with them. All that to say, this friend (again, thank you ) basically said - if people love your photos & can see themselves in them, and want to experience it themselves, they likely won’t give a toss whether you do it full time or not. Now this may seem obvious to an outside perspective, but until I heard that the dots just didn’t connect in my brain.
So the lesson I learned is - step into YOUR power & be unapologetically you, embracing all the facets of who you are, recognizing that the people who are meant for you will find you. You just have to keep being yourself, doing what you love, & enjoying the creative process along the way.
In frame: