I’m doing 2 things I’ve NEVER done before. That seems to be my theme for this year. It’s not wearing a mask in public, avoiding hugging my friends, wiping down my groceries (yeah, I did that), or chatting on a podcast.
- I’m on a SOLO trip. As in, ALL BY MYSELF, solo. I’ve usually gone by myself to visit friends or family and then I’m not alone. This time I am actually alone. The ultimate in social distancing (who knew that would be a thing?). I rented a little casita on a beautiful desert property near the Organ Mountains in Las Cruces. I’m focusing on my photography goal and spending some much needed hours focusing on learning more post processing. I have at least a few images that I need to learn some technical skills to put together.
2. Imposter Syndrome: I called myself a PHOTOGRAPHER. When my VRBO hosts greeted me last night, I let them know I am a photographer working on a project. My brain did not want to accept that. After checking in, I had to look up the definition and it’s “a person that takes photographs”. Well, that IS me. I do take (or make) photographs but I feel like the term “photographer” is reserved for more skilled artists or professionals. I know that imposter syndrome is a real thing and I really do feel like a “faux”tographer most of the time. Maybe part of it is that this is still so new to me and I have described myself in so many ways. Maybe I feel like if I describe myself as a photographer then I’m pigeon-holing myself into one category. I enjoy being a multi-faceted, unique individual and I’m ok adding photographer to part of who I am. It’s just going to take a while for my brain to accept it. So, I’m a person that takes, or makes, (research Ansel Adams for more on this) photographs and I love it!
A little note about my trip. I fell in love with White Sands National Monument so I’m back for a few days to soak it in. I’ll probably take some boring images but I just love it there and I want to capture what inspires me! Enjoy these iPhone images!
-Brie
Great article Brie! I totally get where you’re coming from. I feel the same way. How can I be a “photographer” when people like Ansel Adams, Art Wolfe, Adam Gibbs, Alister Benn etc. etc. are also “photographers”. Boggles the mind. (And their names all start with “A”. Hmmm, maybe I’ll go by my middle name from now on. Ann. Maybe I’ll b more professional. lol)
And traveling solo is so liberating. I’ve been doing it for a good six years now and I absolutely love it. No one to tell you what to do, where to go, what’s for dinner, WHEN to eat dinner, or anything! There are a few drawbacks for sure, but the freedom outweighs them. I even did a 2 week trip to Paris last spring. It was scary and wonderful all at the same time. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
White Sands is on my list of “must see’s”. It looks fabulous. Great photos and great article. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Barb! I had 2 days alone in Paris and it was amazing! I love traveling with others too but this solo experience is different and I like it. I’ll definitely be heading back here so, if you want to meet up, we can! Also, maybe there is a photography “B” team… Brie, Barb, etc. LOL!!
That’s true! B’s have it. LOL.
You’re a bit closer to White Sands than I. But I’ll definitely keep you in mind when I do plan something. I’m a big pre-planner so I’ll have plenty of advance notice when I do decide to go. That would be fun. Thanks!
It’s still a 9 hour drive for me! I guess I’m used to driving around out west. Maybe I’ll meet up with you at that conference in Utah!
I’ll tell you, Brie, that I also had a hard time calling myself a photographer. Even worse… an artist. I vividly remember my friend almost making me feel guilty (out of love) for refusing to accept that I was both of those things.
These labels DO have power in enabling you at accept yourself and your work as worthy. But also understand that they ARE just labels and whether or not you call yourself those things you still are and your work is still going to be created.
But good on you for taking those steps! I hope that you continue to explore those vulnerabilities and your motivations. It’s a wonderful path to be on.
It IS a wonderful path for sure! And you know, artist is a little easier for me to swallow. I play flute and was a music major and I’ve always been pretty creative. But an artist photographer is more difficult for me to wrap my head around. My husband recently read a book called The Alter EGo Effect and I’ll probably read it too. The author talks about creating alter egos (they still have to be authentic) to help someone in different areas of their life. I can totally relate to this. When I’m out in nature with my camera, I can be a photographer. When I’m hiking with my husband, I can be something different. I’m definitely learning a lot about myself!! I love that we can be on similar yet different paths.
Love your photos and your adventure 🙂
Thank you Heidi! Glad you come virtually come along:)