W​e do it to ourselves

I need to have a real, transparent conversation with y'all today about something I think we all struggle with: Google said it's imposter syndrome. Recently, I did a photoshoot for an aspiring model. She was a beautiful girl, and I worked hard to capture her essence. When she got her birthday photos back, she loved them so much that she actually came back to ME for another session. When she reached out, my jaw dropped. ME? Wow. I’m being completely candid with you when I say that I look at my own work and think so negatively about it all the time. Because I’m not a certified, professional photographer with a fancy studio or backdrop. I am constantly asking people for their raw, honest opinions just so I can try to get a little bit better. I’m not out here making a ton of money doing this. In fact, the funds I do receive go to Kidd Supporters non profit organization. Why do we do this to ourselves? Why is it so easy to accept criticism from our own minds, but so incredibly hard to accept praise from the people who actually see our worth? Someone else can look at what you created and see absolute magic, but when you look in the mirror or look at your project, all you see are the flaws, the gaps, and the things you wish you did differently. We undervalue our talents because they come naturally to us, forgetting that what feels simple to us is a massive blessing to someone else. Stop waiting for perfection! If you wait until you feel like a "professional" to start doing what you love, you'll be waiting forever. When people keep showing up for you, believe them. They aren't doing it out of charity; they're doing it because you bring real value to their lives. Knowing that my photography helps fund a cause I care about deeply keeps my feet moving, even when my mind is telling me I’m not good enough. This is your reminder that you're stronger than you think! Turn down the volume on that negative inner voice. If someone comes back to you, celebrate it. You are doing a better job than your mind is letting you believe. ​