Someone at the baptism said to me, "you take a lot of pictures!" and I smiled. "I'm a photographer" I said. That's something I never used to want to call myself for fear of sounding pompous or self-rightous about my hobby. After all it's just a hobby. It's been a hobby my whole life. Lately though I'm enjoying saying it. I spend ninety percent of my time with a camera around my neck. Why am I afraid of being labeled an imposter by putting a label on what I love to do?
If the shoe fits.
I don't get paid for taking photos yet but who cares. And you want to know something--it had always been my dream to have a photo exhibit. These are all things I used to never tell people for the same reasons, --self doubt. Why are we so afraid to talk about our dreams and make them our realities. Are we afraid they won't come true? Do we think someone will laugh at us and accuse us of being someone we aren't? Do we think it's too late? Do we feel like we only have one role in life--mother, wife or insurance adjuster?
I don't care anymore really if I tell people one thing and then they find out I'm an imposter. I am a photographer. When people ask me what I do I have started telling them this. "I am a photographer and a writer." They don't have to know that I don't get paid yet for it. That will come in time. And besides does the making money part somehow validate it? And is it really even any of their business?
What are you? No I mean really what are you? Who is that person in your mind's eye?
I'm a photographer and a writer.
4 comments:
You have to name it to claim it. I believe you.
Thanks :) I think we tend to tell people we are what we get paid for instead of we are what we love to do.
I like your idea of just naming what we are --- regardless of whether we get paid. Hmmm.....I am a writer and seamstress and knitter (all unpaid). In fact, everything I do is unpaid......but those activities define me and fulfill me.
I am so taking this idea! I love calling yourself what you want to be - except cant do that as a future doctor, because not quite ready to be doctor like. *Though I could play one on TV* Need to learn a bit more yet.
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