“Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”

~Nathaniel Hawthorne

“Butterfly Dreams”

I love the above quote because it reminds me to stop and take it all in.  I think many times in life we work so hard at pursuing our dreams/goals that in the midst of the climb we miss out on the joy of the journey.  I know in this industry is it easy to get caught up in trying to “make it”, but what is making it? What is success to you and what is it defined by?

Last year, I really had to take a look at myself and where I was going in this industry. Taking the time to put actual thought into who I am in this world of photography and who I want to be, completely changed my perspective.  I ceased defining my success based on that of others and I let go of my need for outside approval. I no longer allowed public opinion to influence my heart and in turn my art. I stopped letting what I saw or read on the internet dictate whether or not I was good at what I do.  Essentially I let go of the outside voices which were holding me back from discovering who I was as a photographer and an artist, and in turn I BLOSSOMED.

I can hear you thinking, “Thats great Kristin, but why share it here?”.

I share this because I know there are tons of new (and old) photographers out there who are getting lost in those outside voices.  They exhaust themselves pining over the images of others and longing to create work just like “so and so”. When all is said and done, they are no closer to finding their own voice; a voice that is uniquely theirs.  They are left feeling inadequate and less than; something no one should ever feel.

So if you are out there and you are caught up in the industry muck, please stop for just a moment and ask yourself, why you want to be a photographer?  What about it speaks to your soul? When you find your answers I challenge you to take some time away from the outside influences and just explore you/your art. Find your voice without all of the muck getting in your way. In doing so I would hazard a guess you will grow as an artist more than you can possibly dream.  You will find “YOU”. 

Lastly, when you start on this journey (and it is about the journey not the destination), take occasional moments really look at your work and enjoy what you have accomplished.

I guarantee in doing so, you will leave the self doubt and feelings of inadequacy behind.  You will finally be the artist you dream to be.

Warmest Wishes ~ K