02/12/2026
I haven't put words to this yet because I think a little part of me is still feeling like I was accidentally invited. Because no matter how hard I've worked to be here, that damn ugly voice of self doubt always seems to find his way in (we're giving him male pronouns, deal with it). But I *was* invited to a VIP photography summit by and and while I was there - among incredibly talented, award-winning, highly respected photographers- I was just among my peers. No one made me feel less than, because I'm not. It know that. (S**U stupid little voice!)
We did a fun photo challenge in small groups and thank gawd I hadn't looked anyone up ahead of time or I probably would have kept my camera in my pocket. Instead I played and had fun and even let people photograph me. And shared a photo took of me noting that she appreciates women who take up space. And even though that's something I do naturally, it was really nice to be acknowledged in that way. Not for my photos, just for my damn existence.
I could keep going about the people I met, because they really were wonderful and inspiring and funny and kind, but I'll wrap it up with an enormous THANK YOU to Pei and her team for the invitation and the incredible experience you provided. I'm so grateful to have been included.
