Below is repurposed from an article I wrote in 2016.
The above is a photograph from 2016, taken at church Conference in St. Louis. This photo has tremendous value to me. I almost didn't take this shot. In fact around this time I missed most shots. I would carry a camera with me but struggle to pull it out and use it. I was crippled with fear. I was afraid to create, ship and post.
What will people think of my fancy camera?
What if I bugger up a group pose?
What if people don't like my photography?
Something in me changed that day in St. Louis. I was sitting about 300 feet away from the stage. The lights dimmed, and then this lady came out to sing. The battle of fear raged inside of me. Something tweaked in me, and I faced my fears: I went up to the stage and took the photo. I am so glad I did as this was a tremendous life lesson: If I give in to fear and decide not to photograph, the result will be I will have no photographs. Duh? No shutter pressed = no photos and no memories.
Over the years I have come to the conclusion photography doesn’t care how I am feeling. I might be nervous, fearful, or worried, so what? I need to get up and get the shot. My creative journey has been a raw, terrifying and humbling journey. Yet also rewarding and enriching. I am proud to say in a few short years I have gone from creating a photo or blog post once a while to hiring myself as the creative director of this site! Sure I still battle with insecurity and fear. The difference, is now I have tools to use to overcome the fear and photography anyways. I am reminded of the quote below.
“Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”
Andy Warhol My conclusion in the matter is, our creativity is needed. My creativity is needed. People need to connect with the work I do. If some like the art I create great! If some don't like it, that's ok. My art is not for them.