Embracing Failure Leads Somewhere
Embracing failure has its perks.
If I said I was destined to be a portrait and wedding photographer, I'd be lying. Although, it's no coincidence I started this business. Friends and family insisted I photograph them. And, I'm grateful they did.
I have to be honest with you.
Embracing failure is hard. It’s taken me several years to do so. After spending a decade in my wedding and portrait photography business, clients gradually stopped booking. I became overwhelmed with feelings of not being good enough. As a result, I started photographing in a way that others wanted me to. My work started looking like everyone else’s and I lost my vision. This eventually led to the lack of fulfillment in Studio L. It's impossible to satisfy the masses, while standing out in the crowd. I wasn’t willing to make the necessary changes to stay relevant in the industry. Why? Because something didn’t feel right.
The red flag was flying high because I no longer desired the filled calendar. Something I once used to gauge success. It's hard to ignore other's expectations. I was never going to be the winner of the comparison game, nor did I want to be. Once I started embracing failure, fear became easier to deal with.
I failed as a wedding and portrait photographer.
And, I’m so glad I did. God knew I wouldn’t make the change on my own, so he intervened. My career came to a slow, descending fall as I approached the end of 2016 into 2017. Now, I see this as a sign. I came to the point in my career when I continued to ask myself, “Is this all there is?” I already knew the answer. It was absolutely no. Knowing I was meant to do more as a creative, gave me the courage to take initiative. Mindset and determination are powerful.
To this day, I continue on this journey of figuring out what’s next for me. I believe that doing one intentional thing will eventually lead to the next. This process is difficult, but worth it. Sometimes, I feel as if I'm roaming aimlessly with no direction or end in site. That's when I remind myself how far I've come and I continue to do what feels right. This process is liberating because I have faith and I’m confident in the path before me. Embracing failure moves me forward. Wherever it may lead…
Whether you call it God, intuition, a higher power, the universe, inner voice, etc…
Messages are sent our way. We can choose to either ignore or listen to them. Three years ago, I wasn’t ready to take the leap. As a result, God intervened. The truth is, I would rarely leap if I waited until I was ready. Each of us deserves to feel fulfilled and live on purpose.
Quote by Napoleon Hill
“It is most appalling to know that 95% of the people of the world are drifting aimlessly through life, without the slightest conception of the work for which they are best fitted, and with no conception whatsoever of even the need of such a thing as a definite objective toward which to strive.”
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What does this mean for Studio L?
You'll have to wait until my next confession.
But know, I'm continuing as a freelance artist photographer, educator and retoucher. Saying 'YES' to the jobs that are the right fit. Not only for my clients, but also for myself.
You did the photos for my daughters wedding in July of 2016. They were beautiful!!!!
Your talent is amazing! Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.. I am sure whatever path you choose it will be wonderful!
I absolutely LOVED being a part of Sara and Andy’s wedding. I’ve been blessed with countless amazing clients. I’m excited to see where this adventure takes me, I hope you follow along 🙂
I met you last night at the Trout Museum. I love the photo of you with the pigs in your blog. 😀
Also the women series.
It was wonderful meeting you, I’m glad you enjoy my photography and visual storytelling. I hope you enjoyed the current exhibition at the TMA.