My Work is Changing: A Chatty Update
Hey friends!
It’s been a while since I’ve recorded a podcast, and honestly, I’ve missed it. No huge reason why I’ve been absent, but I do owe you an explanation. After a jam-packed summer filled with shoots, weddings, friends, and some much-needed travels, I found myself needing to make a few tough decisions. Something had to give, and it turned out to be the podcast. So, if you missed me, I’m back and excited to share a little update today.
It’s funny how these things happen. As I’m recording this, it’s the 12th of September 2024, and I’m feeling all the back-to-school vibes. I’ve been chatting with fellow photographers who are also feeling the energy of the final stretch of the year. It's been a year of transformation for so many of us, myself included. And, just to be real, I’m exhausted! I wrapped up a shoot for a magazine yesterday, followed by a talk in the evening. Fun, but as an introvert, I’m definitely feeling drained. But here I am, ready to dive into this update with you.
A Shift in My Work: A New Direction
So, what’s the big update? Well, I’m going through a major shift in my work, and it’s been a bit of an epiphany. I realized that the kind of work I’ve been doing, while great, just isn’t lighting that spark anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my clients and working with them, but there’s a strong pull inside me to do something different.
If you’ve been following me on my work profiles, you’ve probably seen my experimentation with AI and mixed media. I started creating with AI tools, and my project “The Greek Goddesses” was a breakthrough moment for me. I printed out the AI-generated images and began painting on them, and let me tell you, I was loving the process. The feedback was amazing too – people seemed to really connect with the work. And, honestly, it sparked something in me. I’ve been on this creative journey, reconnecting with my artistic side, and it’s been freeing.
Playing with Creativity: Intentional Yet Playful
Now, as you know, I’ve always emphasized the importance of being intentional about the work you create. And while that is still crucial, I’ve come to realize how important it is to also give myself the space to just play. Sometimes the best work comes when you let go of all the expectations and just experiment.
This year, I’ve been cruising along – I’ve had great clients, great shoots, and even set a personal goal to start working with talent (celebrities, yay!). But while I’ve been successful in some areas, I found myself needing a change in direction. The more I reflected, the more I felt that I was ready to push myself to the next level.
Going Big: Targeting Luxury Brands
What does “next level” mean for me? For the longest time, I’ve been content working with high street brands. But now, I’m craving something more – something bigger. I want to work with luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, brands that have been my inspiration for years. While I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing clients like Manolo Blahnik, I realized that I need to shift my style to align with the kind of work those top-tier brands are looking for.
That said, this shift is also a result of personal growth. Last year, I faced some tough mental health struggles with anxiety. Thankfully, I’m in a much better place now, and it’s given me the confidence to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I feel inspired, and more importantly, I feel ready.
Refining My Style
In my process of reflecting, I went back to studying the work of brands I admire, reverse-engineering what they hire photographers for. And I realized that while I’ve always had a clear style, there’s a more experimental, artistic side of me that I’ve kept hidden. This is something I’ve been craving to explore more.
I’m working on refining my style even further – one that balances creativity with a certain edginess, something that’s a little less commercial and a bit more artsy. My goal is to embrace that inner creative kid who’s not afraid to play with new ideas and techniques, whether it’s through mixed media or other creative outlets.
The Journey Ahead: Mixed Media & More
So what does this mean for my photography moving forward? Well, I’m planning on incorporating more mixed media into my work. This means I’ll be experimenting with AI, painting, and other artistic techniques to create something entirely unique. It’s an area I’ve always loved, but for some reason, I held back. I never allowed myself to explore this side of my creativity because I didn’t feel confident in my drawing or painting skills. But, that’s all about to change.
I’m diving back into my archive and learning new skills. I’ve signed up for creative courses on Domestika (an awesome platform for artists and creatives) and I’m experimenting with all sorts of artistic techniques. One of my best friends and I are even doing a weekly flower painting class – it’s been a blast! I’m really embracing the art school vibes, and it feels so good to let my creativity flow freely.
Staying Open to the Process
I know this shift will be a journey. It might be rocky, and there are bound to be some ups and downs. Maybe in a few months, I’ll look back and think, “That was a wild idea!” But I’m ready to take that risk. It’s about doing what feels right in the moment and staying open to what comes next.
I’ve also made a new vision board to help guide this new direction. It’s filled with bright, inspiring images that reflect the kind of work I want to create. I look at it every day and it motivates me to keep pushing forward. And while I’m diving deep into this creative exploration, I’m still shooting – still working with my existing clients and doing what I love.
Moving Forward: Exciting Times Ahead
So, what’s next? I’m excited to keep you updated on how this creative journey unfolds. I’ll be sharing my progress, my successes, and yes, even my mistakes. It’s all part of the process. And who knows, maybe this new direction will open doors to some exciting new opportunities. Only time will tell.
In the meantime, I’m still reaching out to clients, pitching new ideas, and working on both old and new projects. I’m excited for what the future holds, and I can’t wait to see where this new direction takes me.
As always, thank you for following along. I’ll keep you posted on my journey, and I’d love to hear your thoughts too. If you have any questions or want to share your own creative shifts, feel free to reach out! Let’s keep this conversation going.
Stay inspired,
