Ryan and I went to see X-Men First Class with his family last week for my brother-in-law’s birthday. I love the X-Men movies and the theme behind them: It’s okay to be different – celebrate and be proud of your differences.

I love this theme – this idea of celebrating our differences, of being proud of who you are, exactly as you are. It’s something I work on everyday. It’s something I want my clients to feel. But it’s not easy sometimes to embrace what makes you different… I know it’s not for me.

Sometimes I feel confined… stuck… trapped. In my work, in life. It’s easy to get caught up in doing what people want and forgetting to listen to my inner voice… my inner artist and soul.

As a photographer, it’s easy to only create what people ask you to create and forget to push beyond those boundaries into an area more unique, fun, and pure. Weddings in particular are this way. When there are so many shots my clients want me to get in such a short amount of time. Sometimes I get so caught up in getting the required shots that I forget to take the time to create. It’s something I try and remind myself of before every shoot.

It’s also easy to get so concerned with what people think that you forego any risks. I try and get a feel for my clients to see what they may or may not be up for. There are so many ideas floating around in my head. So many things I want to try, but sometimes I avoid making the attempt because I don’t know what my clients will think or how they will respond. It’s not a bad thing… It just sometimes leads to those stifled feelings.

Even in life, it’s sometimes easier to go with the flow rather than do what feels right to you. I’ve been a vegetarian for several years now, but I’ve occasionally eaten meat when it’s just easier to do so, like at a get together. Which is silly because really – how hard is it to say “Oh. Thanks – I’ll just stick to the veggies.” I get tired of the questions (“Where do you get your protein?” “What do you eat… just salads?” “Why are you a vegetarian?”) I don’t mind answering them. It just seems that when I tell someone I’m a vegetarian, they immediately have an opinion. And I get lumped into a group without people really understanding why I choose to live this way.

But lately I’m taking steps towards listening to my inner voice. I’m doing better at stepping back during my shoots, taking a deep breath, and trying something new. I feel much more fulfilled with my shoots if I allow myself to be inspired, and I do a much better job too!

I’ve also been fully vegetarian for 3 weeks now. I’ve been trying to let people know before I come over and offer to bring something vegetarian friendly if they’d like. I’ve just finally decided that it’s not about being weird or different – it’s about doing what feels right. If I was allergic to wheat no one would question why I didn’t eat the bread. So why should I feel embarrassed for avoiding meat.

… I am different. And it’s wonderful and beautiful and perfect. There is no shame in being who I am meant to be. And there is no shame in you being who you are meant to be. Embrace it! And then share it!

Have an amazing Monday!

Contact Me | Visit My Website | Join the Facebook Fan Page | Follow Me on Twitter