There was a time in my business when I was heading down a path leading to a place I thought I wanted to be. A place that was pulling me further and further away from who I really was and went against everything that I stood for. Truth be told, while there was company happy to keep me there, I had never felt more isolated or alone in my life. Or less like myself. It felt fake. Forced. I was an imposter- and I hated it. I was lost. But little did I know, getting lost helped me and for that, I am grateful, because it gave me the opportunity to explore and discover who I really was and truly find myself.
Young & Free was the result of losing my way. And what a beautiful little mess that was discovering it. I’ve said on numerous occasions that Young & Free has always been weaved into every piece of my business since day one- and I wholeheartedly believe that. But I didn’t see it. How could I? I was too busy trying to be something I wasn’t, trying to keep up with Photographer A, comparing myself to Photographer B, griping about Photographer C and secretly obsessing over Photographers D-Z. Not once did I stop to reflect on what I truly wanted, what my heart desired, what made me tick, what I loved, what inspired me. And only me. The only photographer I should have been concerned with was the one I ignored most. Myself.
If you happened to catch my recent broadcast on The Senior Scope, you know that my brand is very personal and symbolic to me. (I also talked a little bit about this topic on Showit Live earlier this week, too.) I believe in my heart that we have the opportunity to build a business that we love. A business built on authenticity and inspiration, with a brand that reflects who we are as individuals and creatives. If we take the time to re-discover who we truly are and keep that at the center of everything we do- we will never be lost again. We will be found- and that is a beautiful place to be.
If you’re feeling lost, looking for inspiration and want to hear more about my approach to branding and business, I strongly urge you to take a peek at our Evoke Retreat, happening April 22-25, 2016 at the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson Washington. We will covering this topic in-depth, as well as a multitude of other topics during our weekend together. Space is limited to just 12 attendees and we only have 3 seats left! Click here for more information about the Evoke Retreat!
Special thanks to my amazing senior model and client, Madie, for sharing her gorgeous senior session with a topic that has been on my heart lately. ;) This gorgeous girl is lovely in every way and epitomizes what my photography and brand is all about: Young & Free. I just love that about her. Much love!!
