09/27/2024
I didn’t want to show up. I was anxious as hell and felt embarrassed that I would show up almost an hour late. I drove 2 hours to a photography workshop only to realize I was in the wrong location. The drive to the actual location would take me an hour, meaning I would miss over half of the workshop.
My initial instinct was to drive two hours home and be frustrated for the rest of the day and probably all next week.
Then I paused and thought about what my friend would do. I thought about all the clients who show up to sessions and lean into their vulnerability, take the plunge, and walk away confident; empowered. I thought about the nature of the workshop and its title, The Art of Painterly Nudes. I thought about how fearless the model would have to be at this workshop.
Then I thought, f**k it. I have to be fearless too. I have to show up. I have to be vulnerable. Be comfortable in the discomfort. Ask for forgiveness and more importantly show up for yourself instead of being succumbed to fear and embarrassment.
So I got in my car with no A/C in 100-degree weather, rolled down the windows, blasted more music, and hauled ass up the mountain to the true location. I made it with 40 minutes left in the workshop and was immediately welcomed by .moss assured me it was no big deal and quite literally had me jump right into shooting. Grateful for her understanding is an understatement. I was a little dehydrated and my legs were still shaking with anxiety but eventually, I fell into the groove of things. All the workshop attendees were so kind and I felt that sense of professional community, albeit too briefly.
Ultimately, I am stoked I didn’t turn around and run back home to the comfort of the known. Do I wish I could have been there for the entirety of the workshop, sure. But learning from and watching Misty work her magic in real life, and watching all the other photographers create art was priceless. thank you ***ir and thank you 🙏🙏🙏
