My Story
I am writing this in hopes to not only win a spot at Amy Wenzel's photography workshop, but to open up myself and let you that follow my blog see a piece of me most don't get to see. Exposing myself isn't something I like to do with just anyone.
Looking back through the pages of my life, I see moments that make me smile and others that bring tears to my eyes. I see the steps taken that brought me to where I am today and understand why I am the woman I have become.
Who am I?
I am a wife
I am a mother
I am an only daughter and sister
I am a loyal friend
I am an abuse and cancer survivor
What is a typical day in the life of me?
I live
I laugh
I love
I lose it
A year and a half ago I metaphorically stood in a meadow surrounded by dark woods. I looked down at my feet, bloody and bruised by the paths I had chosen to walk. I could look back and see all of the mountains I had climbed and for some reason didn't feel stronger for having done it. At least I was not alone. I had a little companion at my side. He was my reason for living and to keep going. He was the reason I left the darkness that held me captive for so long so that he could become a better man. He is my son.
Together we arrived at this meadow where we found love and safety in the arms of an amazing man who became a permanent part of our lives. Here we added two little girls to our family and together we had amazing moments.
At this time, I looked back where I had come from and looked forward to where I knew I needed to go. I didn't want to leave. I was safe here. I knew that in order to grow I had to take that step into the unknown. The traveling would be hard, there was no direct path. At least I had the support of my family who were willing to take the journey with me.
I needed to find the part of me I buried so long ago behind a wall of insecurities and doubt. I needed to find passion in something I could work hard at and find a sense of accomplishment.
I found photography.
As with anything I do, I jumped in head first completely immersing myself in everything I could to help me progress. I found amazing friends who were taking similar paths as I was and they became a huge support.
Because so many have been willing to help me, I help as many as I can. Photography has so many opportunities to give if you only open your eyes to see. No dollar amount can be placed on the feeling of a father, gone away for the military, getting free pictures of his children and wife he hasn't seen for months. Or the gratitude of a fellow photographer struggling with something that I have the answer to and freely give them.
This path I have chosen has not been easy. I've failed more than I have succeeded but I keep pushing forward, knowing that the next meadow has to be somewhere in the distance.
Being able to attend this workshop would enable me to lengthen my strides as I progress towards my destination on this amazing journey.
Who Do I Hope To Become?
Strong
Confident
Able
Independent
Fearless
An inspiration
12 comments:
Wow! What an amazing post. Love what you have written and sincerely hope you are chosen for the workshop.
You are an amazing, naturally talented photographer that I immediately admired for your passion as well as your talent. As I have come to know you more, I am only further impressed with you as a person as well.
Good luck!
You've got my vote!
You have a natural talent that, I'm sure, a workshop would help give you the means to bring it to light (more than you already do).
Thanks for sharing your story.
I feel fortunate to be one of those fellow photographers you are always giving so freely to!! If anyone deserves this opportunity its you Suzanne!!! Heck, you helped my with Chelsey's wedding for free while I waddled around with swollen ankles! :) You are always coming up with the mostly creative ideas and growing more and more as an ARTIST!!! You are AMAZING!! I really hope you get this!!
Thanks for sharing your story, very powerful and inspiring!
Also, the picture with the girl on the bridge is stunningly gorgeous, just wow. Amazing.
Wow I hope you win. I bet making such a personal post is hard but I'm sure it is, and will be, very rewarding. Your a great photographer, and I'm sure a great mother. Thanks for sharing your story.
Yes, thank you for sharing your story-- and thank you for being someone who sees photography as a way to give and serve. Anyone who seeks to learn and grow so as to better serve others is someone I really respect-- and someone who would be well selected for a workshop like this :)
This made me tear up. You're so amazing and your pictures are always so inspiring! I can't wait for you to do our pictures this fall!
Beautifully written. Having watched you grow from your experiences has made me feel like a proud mother. I am so proud of you! You are an amazing photographer and such an inspiration to find your calling later in life and run with it! You are a wonderful friend too! You absolutely deserve to be selected to do the workshop!!
Good Luck!! you are an inspiration!!
You are not only my favorite photographer, ever, but you are an incredible person. I could never thank you enough for the light you brought to my husband and I. Good Luck! I wish you the best.
Suz - You are a fantastic friend and photographer. I sincerely hope you win. Your writing for the entry was incredible and evoked many emotions.
I hope you win! You are a great example and inspiration to me. I am completely choked up reading this.
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