After nearly a decade of holding back, I finally began submitting my work again — and learned more from rejections than recognitions.
In this letter, I share what those experiences taught me — about choosing contests wisely, preparing submissions with purpose, and finding quiet courage when results don’t go your way.
Category Archives: Life and Love
That Hard Feeling of “Not Selected”: Why Photographers Must Embrace Rejections
Rejection in photography contests often leads to feelings of inadequacy, yet it reflects the subjective nature of art rather than the artist’s worth. Not every image aligns with a jury’s tastes, and visibility often requires persistence. Embracing rejection as a growth opportunity can refine one’s craft and redefine success beyond accolades.
The Price of Recognition: 10 Easy Ways to Get Scammed in Photography
The article highlights the pervasive scams in the photography industry, including costly contests, exhibitions, and misleading awards. It details personal experiences that expose how recognition often comes with hefty fees, leading artists to question the value of their investments. Ultimately, it emphasizes awareness and discernment in navigating these financial traps.
Flying, Not Driving – What Brad Pitt’s F1 Whispered to My Creative Soul
Learn five deep, cinematic life lessons from Brad Pitt’s F1 that every artist and photographer must hear. A must-read for creatives and dreamers. Dear fellow dreamer, Last evening, as the credits rolled and the theatre lights slowly blinked back to life, I sat frozen in my seat — heart full, mind humbled. Brad Pitt’s F1Continue reading “Flying, Not Driving – What Brad Pitt’s F1 Whispered to My Creative Soul”
Mental Health for Photographers: The Healing Power of Looking Forward
Discover how looking forward to small, joyful moments can transform a photographer’s mental health, creative flow, and emotional well-being in ten powerful ways.
Kindness as Creative Medicine: 20 Simple Acts Artists Can Do to Nourish Each Other—and Themselves
This piece highlights 20 acts of kindness that artists can perform to support one another and improve their mental well-being. In a creative landscape often plagued by self-doubt and isolation, these small, mindful gestures cultivate emotional resilience and community. Kindness is portrayed as a vital tool for combatting burnout and fostering genuine connections among creators.
What If the Secret to Falling in Love With Photography Again Is Just… Slowing Down?
The post explores slow photography, emphasizing its importance in a fast-paced society. It encourages artists to reconnect with their creativity through mindfulness, focusing on the joy of the creative process rather than external validation. By embracing intentionality and simplicity, artists can rediscover their voice and deepen their artistic expression.
How ‘Art & Fear’ Helped Me Unlearn 10 Lies About Being an Artist
The post reflects on the transformative impact of the book “Art & Fear” by David Bayles and Ted Orland, highlighting ten myths that hinder artistic expression. It emphasizes that fear, imperfection, and uncertainty are essential to the creative process. Ultimately, it champions self-acceptance and the intrinsic value of art in its creation, not just recognition.
The Invisible Battle You Fight Everyday for Your Passion
Dear fellow creators, “What if I tell you the world does not need you to create any art”?Not because it does not like you — but because it simply doesn’t care. It doesn’t mean to crush your creative dreams.It just wants you to be useful. Predictable. Present. Religiously doing your duty — as a son/daughter,Continue reading “The Invisible Battle You Fight Everyday for Your Passion”
Is Collaboration Killing Your Creative Value?
The post discusses the complex dynamics of creative collaborations in photography and cinematography, highlighting the promise versus the reality of unpaid work. While collaborations can offer opportunities for exposure and networking, they often lead to exploitation, with artists undervalued and underpaid. Genuine partnerships must be rooted in respect and fair compensation.
The Unposted Life: Stories Too Real for Instagram
This letter from the author emphasizes the importance of experiencing life authentically rather than filtering moments for social media. It argues that some stories are meant to be kept private, asserting that real travel and joy come from deep engagement, not validation through posts. True beauty lies in living the moments without sharing them.
Creative Genes 