It All Starts With Why
Scratching the surface
When I photographed my first wedding for a friend in high school, there was really no reason behind it. She asked if I wanted to be a part of the day and that she trusted me, so I figured I would try my hand at weddings. Full invested for 12 hours and there for every moment, I photographed it. After posting photos from my first wedding on my Facebook page, I had more and more couples asking me if I was a wedding photographer. I continued to say yes and just kept photographing them. I was 22 turning 23 when this all started to take off and I was having so much fun. How cool, right? This is a part of my job? Photographing couples dressed in their best and throwing a party, and I get to be involved!? As the years continued and I went full time in 2017, I needed to dig deeper. I needed to find the reason behind WHY I was photographing weddings. It’s easy to say they’re fun and I just like it, but why would I put in all of the hard work? Why would I put myself in one of the most stressful jobs as a photographer and continue to choose it over and over again?
It took me a few years (and by a few I mean 5 or 6) to really start to understand WHY I kept going, and WHY my job was so important to me. Looking back into my life I started to dig at experiences or situations that tugged at my heart. I started diving into what I wanted and needed for myself. When it came to any sport, dance, in class, or being in certain friend groups, I felt judged. I felt like I wasn’t enough to be the star athlete, get the lead in a dance, or sometimes just fit in. I was afraid to speak my opinions, show my emotions, and wear my heart on my sleeve. I always felt like I had to please other people to fit in, be accepted, and to not ruffle any feathers. I had a few gem of friends along the way who I knew I could be myself around, but I always had the lingering feeling of needing a filter from past experiences.
As I got older, I started to finally find my people. I started to understand that I was truly able to just be myself and I was valued and respected for my thoughts. I was heard when I spoke about things that made me emotional, and I felt seen for who I was. I had found my safe spaces. It dawned on me that this also applied to my business. I wanted to be that safe space for my couples. I wanted my couples to feel free to be their most authentic selves when being photographed so when they looked back at their images, they felt seen, heard, valued, and remembered.
This is my physical safe space. An old abandoned home on a family friend’s property that I would escape to and let myself be creative. This is where I felt like my most true self. The trees would greet me we they waved in the breeze, the old structure would hold me as I ventured around inside with curious eyes, and these old beams would support me as I would lay anything heavy that I was holding onto down.
creating a safe space that makes you feel seen, heard, valued, and remembered
This statement reflects a deep desire for emotional security and validation, suggesting a longing for a space where you can truly be yourself without fear of judgment or rejection. Let's break it down and expand on each component:
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Being "seen" goes beyond mere physical visibility; it's about feeling understood and acknowledged for who you truly are. In a safe space, others recognize your unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives without trying to change or diminish them.
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Feeling "heard" involves more than just having your words listened to; it's about having your thoughts, feelings, and opinions valued and respected. In this space, your voice matters, and others actively engage with what you have to say, showing empathy and understanding.
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Feeling "valued" means feeling appreciated and esteemed for your contributions, whether they're big or small. In a safe environment, your presence is celebrated, and your efforts are recognized, fostering a sense of worthiness and belonging.
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Feeling "remembered" signifies being held in others' thoughts and hearts, even when you're not physically present. In this space, your presence leaves a lasting impact, and your absence is felt, strengthening the bonds of connection and solidarity.
To create such a space, it's essential to cultivate qualities like empathy, compassion, and authenticity within yourself and foster them in your relationships with others. Communication, active listening, and mutual respect form the foundation of such an environment, allowing everyone to feel seen, heard, valued, and remembered.
Ultimately, creating a safe space is a collaborative effort that requires openness, vulnerability, and a commitment to nurturing positive relationships. By prioritizing emotional safety and validation, you can cultivate environments where everyone feels empowered to express themselves authentically and thrive as their true selves.
I want all of my couples to know that I hear them, I see them, I value them, and they deserve to be remembered. Being in front of the camera is an extremely vulnerable experience, but I strive to make everyone feel comfortable and important. When choosing someone to be a part of your day (no matter if its a family member, friend, or vendor) you deserve to have the people who get it. Your story matters, and you matter.
Until next time,
XOXO Amiee
