“There is no innovation and creativity without vulnerability.” – Brené Brown.
As I continue to develop my photographic voice, I often find it challenging to share my work with a wider audience. Some of that comes from imposter syndrome and the nagging feeling that what I create just isn’t good enough. Yet, as we’ll explore in this post, it’s often in those moments when I push myself to show up and put my work out there that it actually gets seen and appreciated.
After a short walk through a local nature park, I was struck by the intricate details carved into a once-decaying tree. The artist had captured such a sense of movement that the figures felt alive. Wanting to preserve that moment, I used a zoom lens to get close to the carvings and create an autumnal bokeh effect that added even more depth to the scene.
While editing the images, I had a bit of a brainwave: what if the park might like to use these photos on their social media to showcase the space to their audience? With that thought, I quickly drafted a message and sent it off, then waited, somewhat anxiously, for a reply.
I was greeted warmly by the team behind the page, and to my surprise, they asked if they could use my set to help promote an upcoming photography competition. I was more than happy to agree. My images paired perfectly with their message encouraging people to get outside and enjoy nature.
The idea that I could create a series of images and then reach out to brands sparked a new direction for me. Until that moment, I struggled to see how my photography could be used in a meaningful way, and I never could have predicted the journey it would lead me on.
Since that first experience, I’ve been fortunate to work with a variety of brands, bringing their products into outdoor scenes and growing increasingly confident in my style and approach. Moving forward, I’m excited to keep exploring new opportunities and see where this path takes me.
If you found this post helpful, please consider reaching out via the form below. I’d be happy to share the steps I took to make this all possible.

