A heartwarming note from one of my students turned fab photographer*:
“
So I cannot help but throw some mushy gushy on ya right now, my ever so talented friend & mentor…
So this image I’ve attached… for me, says EXACTLY where I’ve come in my photography journey thus far & it’s making me freak out {in a GOOD way}
Through your words of wisdom & technical teachings of manual shooting, I’ve arrived at this shot & I’m really excited where I will go from here. Here I’ve captured my ability to be patient. To wait. To feel. To express what’s inside me, and only me. I recognized this pocket of light that, a few years ago I literally would’ve walked right on by it. Or, I wouldn’t have said it was right for a portrait.
Today I see the Light. I’m obsessed with dramatic light, pockets of light, & shadows. Obsessed with moody images. All these things I have absolutely feared in the past. I’ve also felt that all those elements were “wrong” for photography.
This image represents me speaking for myself as an artist. It breaks rules in the best way possible.
You couldn’t be more spot-on that this is a journey. I never forget that you shared that with me. It absolutely IS and images like this make me grateful to have found the path to take the journey. Thank you for continuing to support & mentor me (my cheerleader!!)
“
A beautiful realization. An encouraging affirmation and hopefully a reminder to all that life is not so much about the destination, rather about the journey. And here’s one more thought: maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place…
*Read more about this image, Carie’s new business and her journey here.