Keeping the faith

"One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star." ~ Nietzsche

I've been wondering  if I am walking along the right path, if this dream of working as a photographer can be achieved. I mean, does anyone actually want their portrait taken? Who really wants to buy a photo of a beach hut? Some days I can't seem to muster up the self-belief and faith needed to keep trying. But then I start updating my website and let myself get lost in pictures, and just as I'm about finished I receive a phone call from a woman who wants me to photograph her four children, who tells me how great my photos are, tells me she has been meaning to phone me for months and today was the day. We arrange the shoot and chat for a while, and putting down the phone I hear a ping from my email. Waiting for me is a note from another mother, whose toddler I photographed at a recent christening. She tells me the photos i sent her brought tears to her eyes. It is the best thing she could have told me.

I'm so quick to be discouraged, so quick to doubt that I can do it, but then the universe swoops in with a kind word and gently nudges me forward. Just when I need it.

Comments

[Planethalder]

You're a human being, with all our doubts and fears. But you're a human with faith and hope. That's how you will continue to succeed.

[Star]

I think all of us have times of doubt. It helps to read about the things the universe is sending to encourage you. Thank you for sharing them...and don't give up faith :)

[Antti]

Sometimes I think you're a female me.

It's a very strange thing that happens with 'selling' stuff; it's very sensitive to our emotions; when we feel good it's almost easy, when we feel down and useless it seems harder than climbing Everest. As long as you keep doing the right things, that is keeping active and keep plugging away, it all comes together in the end. Never of course, in quite the way you envisioned. That really exciting client you've been doing lots of unpaid prep work for on that 'big' job of hers? It all falls apart, but then you get a call out of nowhere to replace it in your heart and finances, which ends up being more rewarding. Send out the good vibes and they eventually bounce back, even from the most unlikely places...

[quoth The RAV (Becky)]

If you read my blog about 3 words, you have done this with your title "Keeping the Faith". Mine was "Keep on Creating" which is what we creative people MUST do. Never ever give up on your dreams.It will all work out for you better than you dreamed.

quoth The RAV (aka Becky)

[ceanandjen]

Oh honey, first of all that quote is perfect...perfect.

But most importantly,my heart smiles that you received these signs....such important and perfect signs. I have not even started selling yet, and I already have doubts..big doubts. Who wants my stuff? Is it really that good? That kind of thing. So much of this does become about us being strong enough to talk ourselves through it and just keep going, one step in front of the other. Hell, life is like that in and of itself. But just when you think "what's it all worth" something good pops up and restores you faith. SO glad that this happened to you, as the world is a better place with you and your art.

lots of love.xoxoxo

[maddie]

You are such a wonderful artist -
and it is human to doubt -
but then the universe laughs
and you get the phone call:)

because you are marvellous!

[Amber]

Wonderful post! Don't give up. I see big adverts around here at the mall, and in our local magazine for portrait photography, and it IS art and beautiful, and I ALWAYS think of you! Stick with it, do you here? If other people have made a life out of it, SO CAN YOU. And then some.

:)

[Delia]

You know this doubt is all "in your mind", don't you? You are incredibly talented and will get the success you deserve...I haven't one doubt of this.
Love,
D.

[boho girl]

you are exactly where you are supposed to be and it is so beautiful to watch from here.

i love you, bunny.

xoxo

[Kissacooper]

Your photography is beautiful and dreamy and anyone lucky enough to hire you will never be disappointed. Keep creating your beautiful art! And I absolutely loved my postcard. Thank you! :)

[Paris Parfait]

Anytime you need a pep talk, email me! My daughter is also a fan of your work - when she first arrived from the US, she saw one of your photos and asked if she could have it. :) xo

[Frida]

I'm so happy that you got that call then - you know I think you are brilliant, and that I don't doubt for a second that you will build exactly the business and life that you desire - but I know some days are hard going and that a phone call from a new client or a very happy (to the point of tears) customer can be just what you need those days. Love you and miss you. xx

[nicole]

you can do this! your work is beautiful and your thoughts inspiring.

i barely have my foot in the photography world and pull it back all too often.. i needed to read your post today. thank you!

xo

[Megan]

oh, honey, your work is fantastic. I really can't say anything that hasn't been said by each beautiful soul here.
I'm so glad the universe took notice and decided to tap you on the shoulder, saying
"ahem, you are a photographer"

[Becca]

I'm so glad the universe jumped in (along with all the rest of us) to acknowledge your talent. Keep at it!

[susanna]

Sounds like the universe is saying, YES, you ARE on the right path, Susannah!

[daisies]

so happy the universe is sending you postive signs to balance the self talk that tries to do us in ~ you are so incredibly talented, there is no doubt in my mind that you are and will continue to find success!! lots of love xoxox

[kristen]

i love your work - i've got proof that it's gorgeous that i can gaze upon every single day. xo

[Luxie]

Hello...

I keep coming back here and coming back here and coming back here to read.

You see, after being in limbo for about two months now I was offered a job that would pay quite nice and give a glitter to my name in the field of education.

Reading here..and reading here again...makes me think..seriously..if I would take in that job...a job that would surely stress me out...working for someone...

So I come back here to read..and decide...that I need to believe in me..and have faith to follow my heart as well...

This week I register my own business creating crafts believing that the universe will send me the right people to own my creations....as the universe sends you the right people to own your art..

Thank you for being brave

[Erika Rae]

"Who really wants to buy a photo of a beach hut?"

AHEM... ME! I bought the gorgeous photo of the colorful row of huts as a gift for my friends in Seattle. I'm sure it looks fantastic in their "beachy" guest room.

Thank you for making this art so that I can buy it and share your talent and make friends happy. I am continually moved by your vision and images.

Remember that we who love your huts are out here!

Peace to your spirit, Erika Rae

[Di]

I was having one of those days today ... I know precisely what you mean.

Meanwhile, I loved the quote and blogged it on. Thanks for sharing it :)