I Did a Hard Thing

Credit: Brittney Jean Photography

So, I did a thing last week.

I had a photo shoot.

Now, I’ve organized and been at many photo shoots in my career. But…. for other people. 

This was the first time I did one where I was the subject in front of the camera. 

When I decided to do it, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. Don’t get me wrong, it was a scary thing to commit to and invest in from the start, and I knew my insecurities would come up - but I’ve been at enough shoots to know the basics and figured the actual shoot would be easy enough.

It always seemed so easy for my clients. Y’know- for the artists, stars and the pretty and photogenic people. They always seemed so natural in front of the camera like it was no big deal. And they always looked amazing.

But damn, it is not an easy thing to do. For anybody.

I can be so critical of myself and how I look to the point that in the past, it’s held me back from ever doing anything like this. Before I started my coaching business and decided to really start putting myself (and my face!) out there- I hardly ever posted pictures of myself on social media. Certainly not pictures of myself by myself. If I was going to post a pic of myself it needed to be with other people so at least the attention of the photo wasn’t all on me.

Just starting to post pics of me alone was a big deal and something I had to get over a lot of my own obstacles to do.

But since my word/theme for the year is being brave… I thought it was time to take it to the next level.

Here’s the thing - we never see ourselves the way others see us. 

Those artists and clients who I always thought made it look so easy- they would also complain about how they looked and how hard it was to hold certain poses etc. I just didn’t pay as much attention because I thought- “they’re gorgeous and so natural in front of the camera- they’re just being critical and picky!”

But putting yourself out there in any way is never easy. It takes a lot of bravery and willingness to look at the things you don’t like about yourself. It takes strength and commitment to sitting in discomfort (and uncomfortable poses ;)) and opening yourself up to other people’s thoughts and criticisms.

But it is so worth it.

It’s worth it for the growth, and it’s worth it for the end result. 

Whether it’s photos, art, music, writing, or a message that you have to share - it is so worth it to go face those insecurities and fears for the impact you will have just by showing up as your true self.

As for the photos - I thought I would hate all of them and pick myself apart in every picture. But I didn’t. I love them. Because I know how hard I worked to just be myself, show up, and have a great time doing it.

And… of course, I had an amazing photographer and I couldn’t be more grateful to Brittney Jean Photography for making me look and feel amazing! Thank you, Brittney for an end result better than I even imagined, and for making it such a fun day!

What is it that scares you about showing up fully?

What is it that you’re holding back on for fear of what other people will think?

THAT’S exactly the thing you need to put out there.

And as always, I would love to help you do the INNER WORK you need in order to make your OUTER WORK shine and have the impact you are meant to have in this world.

Send me a note to find out more about my one-on-one coaching.