|| FRIDAY FOCUS ||

When I first started shooting 11 years ago - my only intentions were to hopefully re-learn what I had studied in my college photography courses and take some good pictures of my kids - maybe, if I got better at it, actually pay some bills with it. But that wasn’t where I saw myself going when I started.

I didn’t think I was good enough. I was scared. I had no photography degree. I drooled over other photographer’s work online, artists I admired. I had studied art and was working as a Graphic Designer. I watched photography go from film to digital - and thought, hey - digital is my arena… maybe I have an actual chance at this.

Yeah, I could draw and paint. I had a good eye. But I was no photographer. I was however, my own worst critic. 
But... I was passionate. And excited. And enamored with photography. Relentless to pursue it, I immersed myself in it. I knew it would take time to get better. I learned patience. And more importantly, I stopped comparing my work to other artists and started putting the focus on how I could improve MY technique. But know that even when we focus on our path - there will still be people along the way telling you that you can’t do it. You're not good enough. It's just your "hobby". You can make it whatever you want it to be. Know that.

"Never allow a person to tell you 'no' who doesn't have the power to say 'yes.’ "- Eleanor Roosevelt

YOU have the power to say yes to you. So say yes to you. heart emoticon
Your dreams are YOURS for a reason.

Criticism is hard - but it helps us. Like anything in life that’s hard - we can grow from it if we choose to apply it where necessary. But we don’t have to carry it with us. Recognize it for what it is and put it down, move forward. Be thankful that even though it stung a bit, you learned something from it. Criticism always hangs around. Learning how to manage it is essential to being happy with what you do.

As the years pass I strive to become better than I was yesterday, but I will never arrive at a place where I am truly satisfied with my work, even when I see improvement. And that persistence is necessary to become a good artist. Remaining aware, but humble and always striving to be better, while knowing you are not the best. We can never be. There will always be someone a step ahead and a step behind. But if you have a step.. take it! It just may be the best step you ever made.

Ignore the self doubt. The critics. Let go of your fears. The only way to succeed is to look failure in the face and tell it you are unafraid. And then take the leap! Life is short and it is the biggest gift you’ll ever receive. Do what you love. Focused. Unafraid. Humbly. Thankfully.

"Life has got to be lived -- that's all there is to it."
Eleanor Roosevelt

I am a photographer of weddings, babies and families. 11 years shooting. 5 years full-time and operating a studio. I am the absolute happiest I have ever been in my life because I followed my heart past the fears, critics and self-doubt. I have a long way to go. But I am so grateful and excited for this journey. heart emoticon

Photo by Nico Studios