Comments on: A Personal Note, “Being Yourself”

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:07:04 +0000

Hey Michelle,

I’m a long time admirer. And while I’m not in a position of photography authority or experience, I wanted to let you know that whenever your blog posts pop up on Google Reader, I stop whatever I’m doing to read. And I mean anything.

You are inspiring and talented and even if you were the least successful person in the world business wise (which you obviously are not), you still make some of the most beautiful and fresh pictures I’ve ever seen.

By: Debra Ham

Debra Ham — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:12:45 +0000

Michelle,
Thank you so much for this post! I absolutely adore your work & I look at it often to help remind me of what I want to do. It helps me to keep my focus because I, too, would like to break into the fashion industry and seeing you focus on that goal keeps me motivated while staying on my own path.

I was feeling this way a few weeks ago and often have to remind myself of this very fact, that I must stay true to myself and not try to get in someone else’s lane! I think that the internet is a wonderful thing, but it has it’s pitfalls also. We are all so connected and that allows us to very easily see what others are doing, saying & thinking more readily than in passed years. But, if we stay focused on our own goals, dreams, & strengths then we will get to where we want to be!

Be encouraged & keep pushing along!

By: Anja

Anja — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 13:32:54 +0000

Wow, reading this I felt like you’ve written down what’s going on in my mind. I’m not a “real” photographer though meaning I have a full-time job that won’t allow me to actually work as a photographer but since I’m looking for a new job I keep thinking about taking my photography to another level. But then again I go through all those amazing photographers’ work and doubt I’ll be good enough to keep up with them.
As far as I can tell, you shouldn’t be struggling with those doubts because your work is awesome. But it’s good to know, that other people go through the same thing as I do.

By: Kristin Genna

Kristin Genna — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:32:54 +0000

Wow… this is exactly how I feel too! I’m sure so many do. So many of us feel behind. I always feel a bit down when I see a 21 year old making a living at photography… and their work is awesome. but I have to remind myself that focusing on such things is a waste of energy and is negative. We all just need to focus on our passions and be inspired by each other, not measured by each other. I’ve been involved with photography for a long time but never even considered attempting making it a career because of the fear of failure at the one thing I really deeply enjoy. Recently I figured if it’s the one I truly enjoy, it’s the one thing I should really try to be better at and give it a shot. The worst thing we can do is to give up on ourselves or beat ourselves up for not being this enough or that enough but it can be so hard to remember it, believe it and live it… sorry I went on so long…

By: Apple

Apple — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:22:35 +0000

I’ll be rooting for you michelle!:)

So far, i’ve learned that no matter what you have to believe in yourself. It helps a lot to look at others work for inspiration, but these will all be nothing if you don’t do some practice yourself. :)

By: Agustín Samper

Agustín Samper — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:28:11 +0000

I cannot agree more. I love your work, is absolutely inspiring for me. Congratulations!!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:35:33 +0000

Michelle,

I just happened across your blog and your work for the first time this evening. I was so moved by your candid and honest post that I couldn’t help but comment and add to the many others that feel a connection with what you said.

I imagine that what you are describing is the perfect joy we feel when what we picture in our mind translates in our photograph, the horror we feel when it seems our skill set is not where it needs to be to acheive this, and the roller coaster ride of emotions between feeling so high after an amazing (almost magical) session and the depths of despair when we don’t feel said magical connection.

Do you question your choices? or go with your gut instinct? I feel like I question everything way too much. Did I choose appropriate music for that presentation? Is that pose toooo funky??lol Do I have good taste? I know what I like when I see it in anothers work, the only problem is that by then, it’s not my own original thought or idea. Many times when I do come up with an original idea, I am nervous to use it because maybe it’s too out there (not to be appreciated by a broad enough audience) and I do need clients to be happy so that I make a living. It seems like a catch 22.

As far as comparisons,well, i agree with one of the other comments that it has a good side which pushes you to continue to grow and not become complacent, and the bad side is that when you compare, you might be tempted to make light of your own journey and that would be quite sad indeed!

What you said was so perfectly open and honest and I think that it is something that resonates deep inside of all creative minded people, whether they are painters, musicians, etc..

It is nice to hear that we’re not alone. So, thank you :)

By: Jeanette LeBlanc

Jeanette LeBlanc — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 03:21:02 +0000

Thank you for this very open, humble and inspirational post. It means a great deal when someone so admired is willing to be so very real – it takes strength and clarity of vision let yourself be so vulnerable – and it makes a difference to so many who have been in the same place you describe.

Jeanette

By: dontsmilenow

dontsmilenow — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 02:52:40 +0000

This post comes at the right time for me as i question who I am and am I doing the right thing, and truth is, I can try, experiment and learn new thing, but I will always just be who i am . Thank you!

By: Stacey Schmidt

Stacey Schmidt — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:57:53 +0000

Hi Michelle,

First off, Thanks for writing this post. I know you said that it was mainly for you but obviously it has hit home for a bunch of people, me being one of them. I have been a part-time photographer for a while, and have recently moved to Vancouver, BC to pursue it full-time. It is hard starting over in a new city where you don’t know anyone and on top of that to start a business. I’m constantly doubting myself, and feel like i’m behind the pack in terms of my careers and successes. I know everyone has their own path and has paid their own dues in different ways, but sometimes its just so darn frustrating, lol. Anyways I just wanted to say that you aren’t the only one out there that feels this way. I have been following your blog for a while now, and from what I can tell, you have grown as a photographer. With every shoot you do I see subtle differences, and its refreshing. You are heading on your own path towards your goals and dreams. And most of all thank you for reminding me that its ok to not be like every other photographer and that i don’t need to be where they are in life.
I really enjoy your work, and I hope that one day we can meet and collaborate.
For now Take Care,
Stacey