Have you ever faced a crisis of belief while walking the path of a dream?
That’s kind of where I am right now. These last couple weeks have left me questioning. I have been left wondering if I have what it takes to be a photographer.
Photography is hard work. I have always said it is blood, sweat, and tears. You’ll work long hours to build a craft. The encouragement you need won’t always be there. Thankfully, I have a wonderful blog community to fill this need. You guys really breathe life into me.
Being a photographer is more than having the fanciest camera you can afford. Having a really expensive camera doesn’t qualify you to be a photographer any more than having a mid-range camera disqualifies you. Tools are great…
BUT it is about what you are willing to work and fight for. You’ll fight, not with others, but with yourself as you claw your way through the next level of understanding the art. There will be loads of self-doubt. There will be moments of wanting to give up, but being told you have more grit than that. Never expect it to come easily. Never expect to put little in and get a lot back. It’s vision. It’s dream. It’s light. It’s composition. It’s storytelling! It’s reaching down deep inside you to create.
You’ll wonder if it is worth the tears…and I have shed plenty. I’m realizing that I cry because this means something to me. It really does. My blog means something to me. It is hard work, too.
I keep coming back because I need these creative places, even when they hurt. Even if no one notices. Even if no one cares. If I never make another dollar, this is worth my time. If nothing else it is a legacy for my children.
Therefore, I will continue…step by step…Little by Little. This is the place I document the journey.
You so have what it takes! You have a heart and a passion to capture people’s lives!
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Keep the faith. It all starts with a dream…it’s the hard work afterwards that morphs it into reality.
Kathy recently posted..Stop…
I never known you to be a quiter, ever. When you lose your dream , you lose a part of who you are. You have a enormous talent and the drive to suceed. So let it go, let it go!
You’ve got GRIT girl! Not only that but you are incredibly talented…but it is the GRIT that counts. I believe in you!
Oh please don’t walk away- you have so much talent that the world would be a little less beautiful if you stopped capturing it the way you do. I understand what you mean- we all doubt. Especially when challenges hit us hard. But you have a gift & you should be tapping into it often. Even if it’s not exactly the direction you are going in now- that’s okay. Find a way to make that talent work for you in a new way if you want to change things. Find your happy place my friend- we will all be here cheering you on!
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You best keep at it, girl!
I remember being in a similar place. No, I never had intentions of shooting for a living. But I came to a point when I wondered why I should continue. Being good “technically” may be nice, but technical without purpose is just… nice. I did a lot of soul searching last year during Gina’s battle with breast cancer and subsequent passing from this world. And from that I found purpose. To me what matters most are the little things in life. Personal precious moments for MY family. Moments that most people could care less about. But just because that may be true doesn’t mean I need to stop sharing them on my blog. If that means less people will read/follow my blog, then so be it. It’s what matters most to me..and that’s what keeps me going in this photography lovin’ bloggin’ world.
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It definitely is hard work, and I don’t work nearly as hard at it as you do! Just this morning I was thinking that there’s part of me that wishes I hadn’t started this because I either have to keep going and keep pushing myself to learn more, or quit. And I don’t feel like quitting is an option for the sake of posterity. For some of us, I guess there’s no middle ground.
Have I ever told you that you and your blog were my entry point into manual mode photography? I don’t know if I ever would have gotten started if not for following your blog. Your journey has inspired mine!
That photo of Jasper is amazing. You have a gift. God has given us so much beauty to enjoy and you capture it so artfully. I find your work delightful.
Thank you, dear friends, for your encouragement! I can honestly say that each one of you inspire me!
Kim recently posted..Dreams and Reality
Oh my friend, I have felt the same! But it still shocks me when I hear that talented photographers like you share my fears and frustration. You have a gift. Your work is beautiful and inspiring.
I can’t imagine you giving up.
PS. I adore this image! Love the softness and film-like quality. It has a bit on an old Hollywood feel to it. And he’s adorable in those glasses too!
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i’m just new following here, but your talent is incredible. your photos are beautiful. they aren’t just photos on a page, there is true emotion behind them. you have an eye. don’t give up my friend! you inspire many!
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Kim, I ran across your blog just a few weeks ago and I’ve been joining your link parties. You are talented — that’s clear from the sweet photo in this post! Beyond talent, you have a gift to encourage others. You are kind and inclusive and your heart shows in your blog. I always see the other photographers out there and wonder why I’m tagging along. Maybe most of us have those feelings. You cheer us on! You definitely are gifted. And yes, hard work is required for the gift to blossom. Hang in there! I know I speak for many of us out here when I say you are a treasure and inspiration!
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Kim, I am sorry I missed this yesterday. First of all you little Jasper is such a doll baby. I love that he will be a little ham for you. But Second of all, I had the pleasure of getting to know your sweet spirit and personality! YOU do have what it takes, the real problem is that it is not on OUR timing but HIS! This is where it gets hard my friend…KEEP THE FAITH!!! I so understand where you are at♥
I get busy for a few weeks & this is what I miss?!
Please never stop taking pictures. I love them. They make me happy.
I am intrigued by your pictures. If you were just an average photographer, I’d say, “I like her pictures because I like the people she’s photographing.” I would chalk it up to your subjects being pretty. Now this is true, as your children are PRECIOUS, but at the same time, I am intrigued by your photos of food and trinkets and what-not’s! I LOVE your photography!! You do tell stories with your pictures and that’s why they are so intriguing, regardless of subject. You have a keen eye for light, there’s no other way to put it. Love, love, love your photography & therefore you should NEVER STOP! Even if you aren’t feeling it, fake it till you make it! You have to continue to take pictures because I’ve already planned you as my wedding photographer (ya know, once I find, date, fall in love with, and become engaged…). Brush off the bad and keep your chin up! You’re AMAZING!