To myself, 5 years ago…

Hi sweet girl.

Merry Christmas, and congratulations on getting your first “big-girl” camera. All of those years of babysitting really paid off, and I know you must be so excited to start taking photos like the “pros”. Remember when you were only eight years old, and you used to set up little “photography studios” in your bedroom – using baby Sister as your “model”? You used to drape a bedsheet over the dresser as your “backdrop”, and used a desk lamp for your “studio lights”. Photography has always been a passion for you. Oh, how badly I wish I could step back in time to share with you what I have learned over the last 5 years. You are about to jump head-first into something that is so much more than just a “hobby” for you. You will pour your *entire* heart into your work, and consequently, have your heart bruised more than just a couple times. You will fall victim to the voices of doubt, self-criticism, and comparison – on more than one occasion. And there will be seasons where you regret ever picking up a camera at all. You will have family members take advantage of you, and others will tell you that this dream is not worth chasing. Your sweet, tender, people-pleasing heart will tremble as quiet tears roll down your cheek. Criticism hurts. Especially when it comes from those you thought would be most supportive. But sweet girl, remember this: The passion you feel inside of you was not placed there by accident. You have a contribution to make. Your eyes see the world in an entirely unique way – unfathomable and impossible for anyone else to see, or capture, the way you do. Your work has incredible value. YOU have incredible value. You will grow, you will learn, you will climb, and fall, and climb again. Every time you click that shutter, you are freezing a moment in time to be remembered and celebrated by generations to come. I hope you know how loved you are. Don’t waste time shooting for what you think will earn approval and praise from other people. Instead, shoot for what makes your heart spill over in an abundance of love and joy. Let your photos be a reflection of how YOU see the world – because that is the story worth telling. Remember your own worth. And remember that I am cheering you on, always.

 

ABOUT THE ARTIST :

Kali Singleton is a 22-year-old photographer, who specializes in natural light newborn, child, and family photography. Throughout her photography career, she has been based in numerous cities including, Dallas, San Marcos, and Austin, Texas. She is a fresh-out-of-college graduate and has an intense love for puppies, Fixer Upper, and shoulder massages.

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