Today’s guest post is from a close blend of mine, Caitlin from The Twenty Fifth Year. Caitlin is one of the best writers and photographers I know, so I’m honored to have her share this post on GML. Read on, and then be sure to check out more of her amazing work at 2526 Studios!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I love photography. I love capturing a moment in time that would have otherwise escaped and sharing it with others. To me, there’s nothing as satisfying as watching the reaction of someone when they see a photo that strikes a chord with them. Whether it’s an emotion or a memory, I love the way an image can stir someone and that – among many reasons – is why I’ve turned it from a hobby to a lifestyle.
People often look at a shot I’ve taken and ask, “How did you do that?” Maybe they’re referring to an angle or an expression I’ve captured. It could be the lighting, the composition or just the surprise as to why I’d take a photo of something so ordinary like an umbrella or a street sign.
Every explanation is different. Sometimes I can just get in a position or angle my camera and show them. Sometimes it requires a bit more detail. What it all comes down to is this: trust your gut and believe in yourself.
Now, before you hand me the cliché of the century award, let me explain.
Maybe photography isn’t your thing. Maybe running is. Or baking. Or cooking. Or teaching. Whatever your bag, I can almost guarantee that when life presents you with an opportunity to get a little more or be a little better, you’re not only there, you’re there, first in line, camping out the night before telling anyone who will listen how crazy you are about it, what new thing you learned about it, all the while trying to convince them to love it, too.
How did you get to be that way?
You found this thing you liked, you tried it and discovered you were pretty good at it. You tried it out a little more, and you were great! So great, in fact, that right away you became the best there ever was at your new interest.
Or maybe, this thing you liked? Didn’t come naturally. It didn’t fall right into your lap, in no need of an instruction booklet, waiting to make your life instantly gratifying.
Now is the time to call upon those dear little friends of yours – the clichés.
Think about what you love. Take away the fear of being judged, of failing and the uncertainty of what the result will be. Take away the audience, your peers and the idea of facing adversity.
What are you left with?
Oh yeah, that thing you love.
And your mojo.
Start there. Strip it down and get back to basics. You and that thing you love? Are awesome together. The more you practice and pursue, the less you’ll even think about those things you took away. Sure the audience will come back. Peers will start to pop up. Some may even judge. But you followed your gut, you believed in yourself and you will then know having that power means more than any negative thought, word or deed that could be thrown your way.
Don’t believe me?
Let me tell you something. Almost a year ago, I left the state where I’d spent my entire life. I sold everything that wouldn’t fit in the back of my SUV and moved half way across the country. I took a severe pay cut and completely revamped my lifestyle. Being away from the people and places that had been a distraction to me let me break everything down to its simplest form. My intuition had told me to make this move and even though there were times I doubted my actions, nothing was pulling me as hard in another direction as it did to come here.
Five months after my arrival, I received my camera. I’d always had an interest in photography but when I picked up my DSLR for the first time, the only thing I knew how to do was turn it on and off. I started snapping and never quite stopped. Tens of thousands of photos, lots of research and a few small investments later, I launched my own business.
Now, I’m booking shoots. I’m crawling in dirt, getting in rivers, standing on my kitchen counter and doing whatever it takes to capture that moment that will evoke a person’s reaction.
I’m not thinking about other amazing photographers’ work when I’m shooting. I’m not thinking about what they’d say or how my friends and family will react. I’m not thinking about anything except what ‘s happening in that very moment. Truth be told, I follow a very keen sense of myself as I move through positions and angles. I trust that I know what I’m doing and know that if I’m not, it’s not the end of the world. Either way, there’s a lesson to learn and it in comes another little piece of confidence.
By listening and believing in myself, I’ve ended up right where I need to be. And guess what? The same story is one you can tell others, too. All you’ve gotta do is believe, trust, listen and get back to the most basic and stable approach you can take: it’s just you and that thing you love. Nothing else.
If it’s something as special to you as my camera is to me, you’re in for a real treat. Watch it become an extension of you. Watch your life prosper and grow. Never, ever ever, let anyone take it away.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What hobby (or cause/belief/etc.) are you particularly passionate about?
I learned a tiny little bit about real photography when we interviewed wedding photographers. It’s an amazing craft and you’re incredibly talented!
Amazing guest post! I absolutely love how you were able to break down the start to figuring out what you want in such a basic way.
“Think about what you love. Take away the fear of being judged, of failing and the uncertainty of what the result will be. Take away the audience, your peers and the idea of facing adversity.
What are you left with?”
Agreed.
That quote made. me. think.
Thanks for this, C
Thank you both so much! I love when the wheels start to turn!
Leanne says
Great post! So I decided to check out your website, awesome work! Then I noticed that you live in Pittsburgh (at least I think)… ME TOO! It’s always awesome to find other people who live in the city, even if you don’t personally know each other, you feel that you have a little something in common.
Hi Leanne! Thank you so much for your kind words! I used to live in Pittsburgh and have shot quite a bit there but now Austin is where I call home. I miss Pittsburgh and its bridges terribly. Enjoy it!!
Kallie says
amazing post! you are so talented, cait! i am passionate about my patient’s oral health care, my faith and sunny days
Elysse says
Wow. This post came just at the right time for me. I used to take so many photos but have slowly fallen out of it. This post inspired me to keep bringing my camera around and start shooting again so thank you for that!
WOW!Seriously gorgeous pictures and awesome post!! Good for you for going for your dreams! I remember your whole post dedicated to this!!
My fav pic is of the little kids!So adorable!
This is an amazing post, and so inspiring! I am still figuring out what my passion is: writing, cooking, who knows!
Caitlin’s images are amazing! I especially love the one with all the ballet shoes - so adorable!
I love this post! I am still figuring out my passions and path in life. I like writing…I like Zumba…I like children…I don’t know what I want to do. It’s kind of scary. But as someone who’s spent my whole life as a “planner”… it’s kind of nice not having a plan.
caitlin, i loved reading this!
your photography is beautiful! and gracie was right, you’re a wonderful writer!
Thank you so much, Katie!
Fabulous post, and SUCH a talented photographer! And the message of her post? Wow! Color me inspired…
beautiful photos!!
Well, I love cooking. Which has become my career path since I am in culinary school.
I love art, I love music and I love photography but they just don’t taste good!
Stephanie @ LoveLaughterLight says
What a great post and amazing pictures! I think I’ll have to start following your blog…
I’m a PA girl (Erie-ish area) that also moved across the country. I landed in Denver, but have been thinking of another move…to Austin! I love live music and the art scene and have heard that Austin is the place to be for both!
I grew up an hour South of Erie - what a small world! I’m a big fan of Denver but Austin is fabulous, too (and warmer!) Best of luck with your decision! Remember, trust and believe!
Stephanie @ LoveLaughterLight says
Sounds like we could have been neighbors! Were you a THS bulldog?
“that thing you love” - phrase made me think of oysters and diamonds and beefy black men with sultry voices.
just sayin’.
grin.
i got a ton more out of this post than that (i LOVE that you made it so relevant for others), but my tired brain won’t express those thoughts well. definitely need to go back and think on it some more when i’m actually awake.
Thank you so much for the kind words! For the record, I love diamonds, too
This quote is my fave: “Think about what you love. Take away the fear of being judged, of failing and the uncertainty of what the result will be. Take away the audience, your peers and the idea of facing adversity. What are you left with? Oh yeah, that thing you love.”
3 months ago, I started doing something I NEVER thought I’d be able to do: work with middle and high schoolers. The new youth pastor at my church put out a call for youth leaders and at first I was like, “Me? Do that? I don’t think so!!”
But I thought and prayed about it and thought, “Hey, why not? When I was in middle school, one of my favorite people was a college-age youth leader. She always had good advice.” 3 months later, I am loving it. The kids are amazing. One week after I started, one of the 6th grade girls came and gave me a big hug. Now, I’m getting tackle hugged by at least 5 middle/high school age kids every Sunday. I’m not afraid of unleashing my inner 12 year old when I go to youth group - in fact, I embrace it. I know I probably look “stupid” to outsiders, but I really don’t care what they think. It’s fun and the kids love it. I’ve also become good friends with the youth pastor and his wife, who are only 3 years older than me. They are such sweet, genuine people, and they absolutely love those kids.
Love love love. Love Ms. Twentyfifth Year and love this post!!!
<3 <3
This is a fantastic piece.. the passion and creativity that Caitlin has is outstanding.. I just hope that one day I can take that leap of faith and really pursue my dreams
You inspire me Caitlin!
Oh, Evan, you are so sweet! You are amazing - I’d love to be able to be creative in the kitchen like you!