I had an awakening on Friday.
In an age when “anyone can be a photographer”, I’m not immune to the overwhelming amount of talent that surrounds me on every street corner and every other mouse click on the Internet. It’s inspiring and intimidating and frustrating all the time.
My photography defines my perspective, but my art, my passion, my vision—whatever you want to call it—is forever evolving.
I question everything, all the time, but I have always been certain about one thing… I just didn’t recognize it until Friday.
I am driven by moments.
Emotion.
An image that is both art and chemistry, intertwined.
Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ve expressed this as well as I should. I tell stories and I blog images. I hope for comments and likes on Facebook. But I’m left unfulfilled. Not by my job or by my clients, but by my own self-inflicted desire for praise or approval. I love what I do, no matter what kind of response I receive and that’s the honest truth. But I’ve conditioned myself to believe I need the approval of my peers, my mentors, and I think I finally have the strength to stop.
Stop looking.
Stop comparing.
Stop checking and re-checking my Facebook page.
Stop, just stop.
Things may change around here. Updates may be fewer. But my heart is telling me it’s ready for more. Ready to live a life based on what makes me happy, and not one that grants me more likes, follows, or any other false sense of entitlement.
It’s time to unplug and reconnect with what’s directly in front of me.
8 Comments
I’ve recently been dealing with the same thing… only I found myself getting sucked into doing what I thought I had to do… and needing the praise from peers in my area… who are so different than I am. I feel like I’m finally kind of getting back to who I am and what makes me happy…
And for the record, I am completely smitten with your work.
Its amazing. Just keep on doing what you’re doing.
Amen Carly! To all of it. I’m so glad for you and your clarity on this!
Go for it!
I agree 100%- I feel like I finally let it all go a little and I just go into the shoot with confidence in myself and my ability and leaving all that other crap that we all love/hate (FB, Blog, photographer comments, etc) right when I see that couple or that family that has hired ME not them because they BELIEVE in me- so why shouldn’t I?
Your work is strong, your point of view is different, and it all looks and feels like Carly Bish. Keep doing what your doing and rocking it.
Love this image BTW! 🙂
I’m pretty sure we all suffer from the same thing…comparisons, validation…and it’s hard sometimes. I totally agree with you and love this photo to death.
I will say though…sometimes the comparisons make me try to be better. It’s a double-edged sword…it can make you feel empty and unsatisfied but it can also cause you to rise above.
I know I wouldn’t be where I am without inspiration from you and hundreds of other photographers. I needed it. And sometimes I still do.
i’ve been thinking about a lot of these things too. so glad you shared. keep pushing towards what energizes you and makes you come alive.
hope to see you soon!
Cheers! You continue to inspire Carly.
YES. I am really with you on all of these things. You spelled it out in such a beautiful way.