Hey Reader,
There’s this weird pressure that builds up quietly when you’re trying to make something out of your creativity.
You start with curiosity and a camera, and before you know it, every photo needs a purpose. Every edit has to land. Every email has to convert.
Maybe you’ve felt it too. That shift from play to pressure.
Where taking photos turns into producing content and experimenting turns into keeping up.
The worst part is, it’s subtle.
You often don’t notice it until it starts to weigh you down.
You keep showing up.
You keep doing the work.
Now look, I understand it’s a privilege for some of us to chase a life with the help of a camera, but sometimes it stops feeling good. And you can't quite remember when that happened.
This past week, something shifted for me.
I went away for a few days. No expectations, no camera checklist.
For the first time in over six months, there was no reason to be creating.
And it turns out that’s exactly what I needed...
Let's dive in!
btw...all photos shot on my iPhone 14 Pro and edited with this preset pack with the mobile presets @ 80% intensity.
Pushing harder isn't always the answer
It’s easy to assume that if something’s not working (your photos, your business, or your content), you simply need to try harder.
Refine your grid layout. Shoot more. Post more. Tweak your editing. Hustle a bit extra.
But what if the real shift comes from stepping back?
Not quitting. Not disappearing. Just letting go of the pressure for a minute.
Sometimes the most useful thing you can do is take one small step outside the system you've built for yourself, especially if that system is starting to feel like a trap.
In Australia, as kids, we’re all taught not to swim against a riptide.
Instead, you’re meant to relax, float on your back, and let the rip take you out to the deeper part of the ocean.
The next step is to swim parallel to the sand, and then back to land.
So maybe, when things aren’t working how you want them to, and you’re constantly fighting the riptide, it’s time to let the current take you.
There’s no problem conserving your energy and using it somewhere else.
In fact, that’s how we should try to be, always.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to show up
If you’re trying to build something creative, whether it's your photography, your client work or your personal brand, you already know how overwhelming it can feel.
Learning how to write a script. Talking to the camera. Using off-camera flash.
Even just understanding the lingo the 'pros' use so you don’t feel left out in certain situations (trust me, I’m still there often).
You end up doing everything behind a screen.
Sending emails. Posting. Waiting. Hoping someone sees it. It’s isolating.
And that’s why it’s important to remember: you don’t need to have it all figured out to show up.
Recently, I said yes to an event here in Barcelona, a proper agency party with free sushi and everything.
It was intimidating.
Big group, majority Spanish-speaking.
At first, I was hesitant to go, but I reminded myself that showing up is enough.
After a few too many gildas (Spanish olive skewers that are amazing) and a bit of awkward standing to the side, I spotted someone holding a Leica.
It gave me an opening. We chatted.
Turns out she co-managed the agency hosting the party.
Long story short, we had a meeting this week and have hopes to work together in the future.
That’s now a real connection, from simply showing up!
So if you’re someone who feels safer behind the lens or the webcam than in the room, you’re not alone.
But those small moments of connection can open more doors than any cold email or DM.
Be more human
One thing that’s been helping lately is switching up how I show up for new clients.
Instead of cold email after cold email, I’ve been insisting on video calls.
Not to pitch better, but to be real.
That human layer matters.
Especially in photography.
Especially if you’re trying to book work or grow a community.
Last week’s YouTube video was actually another attempt at me being more ‘real’ with my videos.
It was drastically unscripted and I had a great time making it.
If people can see you and feel where you're coming from, everything gets easier.
It breaks the distance.
And look, you don’t have to be the most confident person in the world, you just have to be present.
Lastly, don't wait...
If you’ve been forcing things lately, it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
But it might be time to try something different.
Shoot something that won’t go on Instagram.
Send a message with no ask.
Use a camera that’s fun again, not “the best.”
Say yes to the slightly awkward thing.
Let your process breathe.
That’s where the real work tends to come from, not when you’re grinding, but when you’re paying attention again.
P.S...
This newsletter grows through word of mouth.
If you’ve been enjoying these emails or found this one helpful, I’d love it if you shared it with someone you think would appreciate it.
Post it, forward it, tag me, whatever works.
I’ll always try to repost and say thanks where I can.
