I have a special place in my heart for this sweet little nugget, who I’ve photographed since birth (see her newborn photos here). Gabrielle was six months old at the time of this session, and was nothing but beautiful baby squish, blue eyes, and lashes. And OH – that GLOW…can you believe the light in her parents’ bedroom? Between that ethereal light and the beautiful pintuck headboard, she looks like she’s sitting amongst the clouds. I mean, come on: how could I not be totally taken?
Separately, though, I love these images because they demonstrate how far I’ve come since I set out on this creative journey. In this industry, it’s really easy to fall prey to comparison – to forget your own beginnings and downplay your successes relative to others’ around you. People whose instagram feeds look like magazine spreads and whose online lives are so perfectly curated you wonder how you can possibly keep up.
Sometimes, I let myself become overwhelmed by it all. I forget that I am good enough. I let my insecurities take hold. But then I see Gabrielle in the clouds…and I remember. I remember that I built this from a practically forgotten glimmer of a dream. That what the world needs is not a replica of someone else’s vision, but a pursuit of authenticity. My own imperfect way of seeing. And I let myself be inspired, not intimidated, by the beautiful work that’s being created by my peers. Grateful for and energized by it. How’s that for perspective? xo
and if we needed any further proof that she’s one of my favorite littles:
*So many thanks goes out to the photographers out there working to build a sense of community over competition in our industry. You know who you are, and you inspire me daily.
