A Gentle Reminder
Here are some thoughts and words in the form of a gentle reminder of our two days together — a reminder of what you experienced and what is totally possible going forward.
This was never going to be a portfolio workshop
We began by arriving as we were, sharing what we wanted from Dare and agreeing to participate fully. This was never a portfolio workshop or simply a walk with cameras. The invitation was to do something different rather than keep returning to the familiar ways that leave us in the same place.
That conversation in your head
Remember the question: how many of us are talking to ourselves? We explored how easily that constant commentary pulls us away from the moment in front of us. We inherit stories about who we are, what we can do and how others might see us. Over time those stories can feel like facts. But a thought is not necessarily the truth.
The way through is through
We talked about telling the truth through action. Not waiting for fear to disappear, but discovering what happens when we act despite it. The comfort zone can be a very convincing place to stay. And we can spend a lifetime preparing to step outside it. Remember the box: sometimes the instructions for getting out are on the outside.
Being seen, and seeing one another
You shared something you might not normally share. We explored how much energy goes into appearing a certain way, protecting an image of ourselves, and imagining that our struggles make us different from everyone else. Perhaps you noticed how much we have in common when we stop pretending.
Who is driving the bus?
We looked at autopilot, at the reasons we give ourselves and the results we create. Our point of view shapes our actions; our actions produce results; those results can reinforce the same old point of view. That circle can change. Not yesterday. Not when the conditions are perfect. Now. What would you attempt if you knew you couldn’t fail?
The present moment is where the photographs are and where they’ll always be
We explored what it means to be awake rather than lost in thought. When you freeze, go blank or worry about what to do next, more thinking may not be the answer. Notice what is happening. Notice whether you are reacting or responding. Then reconnect with the person, the place and the life unfolding right in front of you. Remember taking that awareness onto the streets of Camden.
Remember …
A BIRD IN THE
THE HAND
X
Notice the difference between being with what is in front of you and being caught up in the conversation in your head. Presence is something to experience, not another thing to think about.
WHEN YOU RETURN TO EVERYDAY LIFE
Make room for discomfort
On the second day we revisited what happened when you pushed through — and what stopped you. We questioned the meanings we attach to rejection and failure. Someone saying no does not have to become a verdict on who you are. Notice the spin your mind puts on an event. The event and your story about it are not the same thing.
Confidence is not a performance
Confidence does not require you to feel fearless, look a certain way or hide the parts of yourself you find uncomfortable. We spoke about acceptance: acknowledging what is there instead of constantly trying to fix yourself. Be aware of how harshly you judge yourself. You can feel nervous, awkward or uncertain and still take the next step.
Dare to be yourself
In the conversation about business, branding and relationships with clients, the thread was genuineness. You do not need to manufacture a version of yourself to be worthy of being seen or hired. Bring yourself to the conversation, wherever you are in your journey. Allow yourself to get it wrong. Think beyond what seems realistic. Rather than waiting to discover some finished version of yourself, consider who you are choosing to create. And remember: you are not waiting to find a finished self. You can create yourself, through your actions, as the kind of person you want to be.
And then we went out and did it
On the street and in our portraits, there was no hiding behind theory. There were people to meet, moments to notice, approaches to make, and the discomfort of being put on the spot. Remember the difference between rushing to escape a situation and staying long enough to actually see. The camera was a way into connection, not a shield from it.
A little perspective
We ended by looking beyond our immediate worries to the extraordinary scale of the universe and the briefness of our time here. It is easy to make our problems enormous and our possibilities small. Every now and then, look up. Then look around. There is a whole world waiting to be noticed. As we heard in the reminder about having food in the fridge, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and somewhere to sleep: remember what you already have. And remember Marianne Williamson’s invitation not to shrink yourself to make others comfortable — allowing yourself to shine can give others permission to do the same.
One last thing
You do not have to prove anything with your photography. What if you made pictures that excite you, move you or simply make you happy? What if you acknowledged yourself for showing up, rather than only noticing what you think you got wrong? Keep what was shared in the room with care. And remember: Dare does not end when the workshop ends. It lives in the next moment you choose to participate.
Our Deepest Fear
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that
we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that
most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of
God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing
enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure
around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to
make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of
us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously
give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from
our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Marianne Williamson
Thank you for being part of Dare
In Love …
Gary
Movies that inspire my work
The Raging Bull
La Haine
Carol
Blade Runner (both movies)
The Good the Bad & The Ugly
The Godfather I, II and III
Children of Men
Meantime (Mike Leigh)
Taxi Driver
Goodfellas