Published Work

As a photographer, I've always been passionate about capturing the beauty of the world through my lens. But for the longest time, my work remained confined to the safety of my hard drive. Recently, I decided to take a leap of faith and put my photographs out there for the world to see. I began participating in photography challenges where my work would be voted on by other talented photographers. While this decision has been exhilarating, it has also brought along a whirlwind of anxiety and stress.  I want to share my journey into the world of photography challenges and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.

The Decision to Share

For years, my photographs were like my closely guarded secrets. I had the skills, the equipment, and the passion, but the thought of sharing my work with others terrified me. What if people didn't like it? What if my art was met with indifference or, even worse, criticism? These fears held me back for far too long.

One day, I came across a photography challenge app and decided to try participating in a photography challenge. These challenges are platforms where photographers from all around the world submit their work based on a specific theme or prompt. The entries are then voted on by the community. It seemed like a great way to showcase my art, but I was apprehensive about facing the judgment of my peers.

The First Challenge

Water - The theme was water (that's it), so I went through some recent photos I have taken and submitted them. Next thing I knew the votes were flowing in. 

I ranked 1290 overall, which did land me in the Top 30% club. I also had two that qualified to be shown in an online photography magazine! (Just waiting on the publication date)  

The Next Few Challenges

After the rush of realizing how others like my work. I submitted for a few more challenges. These were not ones that were for magazines or exhibitions just random ones like Fantastic Photos, Photo of the Week Beautiful Shots, With a Filter, and Most Memorable. All of which had thousands of entries and I was in the top 100 pics. 

Overcoming Anxiety

As time went on, I realized that my anxiety was a reflection of my passion for photography. I cared deeply about my art, and that's what made the process so nerve-wracking. I began seeking ways to manage my anxiety and stress:

1. **Mindfulness**: I learned to practice mindfulness to stay grounded and focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the outcome.

2. **Support System**: Sharing my feelings with fellow photographers who had been through similar experiences helped alleviate some of the stress. They provided valuable advice and encouragement.

3. **Embracing Feedback**: Instead of fearing criticism, I started to see it as an opportunity for growth. Constructive feedback from others helped me improve my skill

4. **Celebrating Small Wins**: I celebrated each vote and positive comment, no matter how small. It reminded me that my work was being appreciated.

The Rewards

Despite the initial anxiety and self-doubt, I found that participating in photography challenges was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Not only did it allow me to share my work with a wider audience, but it also pushed me to become a better photographer.

Over time, my photos started receiving more votes and positive comments. I began to build connections with fellow photographers, and the sense of community was heartwarming. The challenges were not just about competition; they were about growth, learning, and sharing a common passion.

Below is where I will showcase some of the work that has been or will soon be published.