Since first stepping out into the brave new world of photography, people’s first question for me is, “what made you decide to do photography?” The first thing that runs through my mind when people ask me this is, “how much time do you have?” How do you answer a question like that in just a few sentences? I can’t simply and adequately describe what God has planted in my heart for decades. So, the simple answer I have been giving people is, I’ve always wanted to do this. It’s my number one passion.
I’ve always loved taking pictures. It is an artistic diary that captures the details of life. I’m passionate about capturing moments and sharing them with others.
I really enjoy the art, composition, and editing side of photography. I feel deep emotion through photography. As a storyteller at heart, photography is the visual way I tell a story without words. I love to capture God’s beauty whether in the form of creation, people, or things. I love to spend time waiting for the perfect light to catch the profile of a young child’s curls, watching the waves crash upon the ocean’s shore and noticing the way the sand ripples and bends; it makes me feel alive. I’m thankful for the way that photography can capture, freeze, and preserve the emotion and tenderness of life. I get joy from watching others feel the joy that a picture conveys.
Taking pictures of people was a step out in faith for me. Taking pictures of scenery, landscape, and nature comes easy to me. Taking pictures of people takes planning, time, and going out of my comfort zone.
Last year, 2020, was a year of God stripping everything else from me. It was a good stripping. It was sanctifying and needed. Towards the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, the Lord just kept confirming to my heart during my quiet time with Him that I was ready to do this! It was so so so clear. Have you been there? Are you there now? You’ll know what I mean if it has happened to you. So, I took the leap and started to save for a nice camera and just start taking pictures of people!
Something that also played a part was my three-month time with Lindsay of Keep Your Plants On. I went into the program to help heal my relationship with food and body issues, and came out a more confident, and whole woman! I honestly do not think I would have been ready to do this if not for the blessing of my time with Lindsay! Thank you, Lindsay!
What about you? How do you know when it’s time to step out and pursue something new? Here are some questions you can ask yourself and also some things to be prepared for.
Questions To Ask Yourself:
1) Is this the right season for it?
2) Am I fully and whole heartedly passionate about it?
3) Does the thought of it excite and terrify me all at the same time?
4) Could I imagine myself doing it for the rest of my life?
5) Does it bring joy and life to my soul?
6) Is it something that God has gifted me with?
7) Can I use it for God’s glory and purpose in my life?
Some things to be prepared for:
1) You will have people that will second guess your choice to pursue your passion.
2) You will have “haters”. That’s the only way I can describe it.
3) You will see who your true friends are. Are people pulling away or are they encouraging and championing you?
4) You will have to put in the time and effort to learn your craft.
5) You will fail, and you won’t be perfect.
6) You will need to give yourself grace to learn and grow.
7) There are others that might be jealous of your new freedom and pursuit. Everyone is at different places in their life and sometimes it’s okay to to feel free to walk it out even if others might second guess you or feel insecure themselves.
I hope this gives you inspiration and encouragement in your own life! I’m an open book, so feel free to ask any questions or reach out if you are trying to decide if a new path is right for you! You can find me on Instagram here: @traci_michele_photography.