Photographing Through the Tough Times
You just got broken up with. You have to move. You're dealing with mental and physical health issues. How do you stay consistent as a rising photographer during a difficult time?
I can only speak from experience (as it's me writing this, not a bot generating it) but what I will say is this: don't be hard on yourself and give yourself grace.
Your work is a gift to the world whether you realize it or not. Someone sees that photo of them and smiles, feeling confident and polished for just a moment in time. A family sees their portraits on the wall, reminding them of how they have each other during their own difficult times. A brand uses your work to bring a creative person's visions to life- helping to sell the same products that could be life changing for someone.
Every photograph you take is a chance to change the world. You literally capture light. You freeze emotions in time, allowing people to metaphorically time travel back to a specific point in the universe when they look at your images. You have a very important job.
I can't tell you that things will get better, because they may not. But you -amazing photographer- will get better. You will find a way to adapt, you always do. And now more than ever, you should try to gift yourself with the time to dedicate to your craft. It's important and it's valuable, especially now.
Set aside 15 minutes a day just to take pictures YOU enjoy. Gift yourself with that joy when things feel heavy and intense. Write something for your blog that will move someone or resonate with another photographer. Take tiny steps toward your five year plan. Photographing through a difficult time is all about small, aligned actions that add up to larger steps over time. But don't feel like you need to do anything too crazy.
Give yourself the opportunity to rest knowing that you will get through this, you will come back stronger than ever. If it helps, join forums for photographers on Reddit and Threads and talk to other people to get inspiration. Reach out to a friend or family member.
You will smile again. You will laugh again. This is only a setback towards your greatest comeback yet. Your art and the world need you, and I'm rooting for you as well.
Hugs,
Kayleigh
