My Story For A Chance To Learn - Suzanne Plant {Lookie Loo Photography}

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