Pink Lady Food Photography Short List
Big things happen when you make decision to trust your Intuition and take steps in the direction of your goals and dreams.
When I heard the news that my photography submission had been shortlisted by Pink Lady Food Photography for The Claire Aho Award for Women Photographers, I was over the moon. But first I had to look up what being “shortlisted” event meant.
So it seems that no matter what industry you're in, being shortlisted for an award is a huge deal. Because there is a possibility that you might actually win the flipping thing. Eeeeeeeee.......can you imagine?
A second thing to keep in mind is that it’s not enough to simply "go through the motions" if you want to be shortlisted. Getting to this place takes a lot of commitment, focus and work, and a nomination shows that your peers recognize you as an industry leader.
This award is a prestigious competition of international scale open to all women photographers. And as the saying goes…it’s an honour just to have been nominated. To be chosen from thousands of entries, I feel I am a winner already.
I've been passionate about photography for about 12 years now, but during the recent pandemic I spent countless hours practicing and perfecting my craft.
Trust Your Intuition
There is no doubt that I sorted through my submission choices with my head first. Basically, looking at which images got the most likes on IG or the ones I thought were resembling previous winners. As the dead line was approaching, I suddenly remembered images I created while on vacation in Ontario this summer. There was one in particular that flashed through my mind’s eye. There was just something so pure about it. Such a simple image. But there was something inside, a gut feeling that kept me going back to it. So I trusted that feeling and submitted it at the last minute.
The following are a few of my “head” selections:
When you trust yourself more than anyone or anything else, great things can happen! It's easy to try to please others instead of trusting your gut instincts The image I submitted wasn't technically spectacular, but I did feel it had something special when I captured it. Otherwise, why bother right?
And wouldn’t you know it, I was selected for the shortlist with that very image. I listened to my gut and trusted what made my soul sing.
Believe in Yourself
Having faith in yourself is key to success but it's not always easy.
It’s taken me a while to feel comfortable calling myself a photographer and even now, there are days when self-doubt creeps in and makes me wonder why anyone would want to see my work. But those doubts are getting fewer and farther between as I keep pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. Trusting that the images I capture or create have a unique enough perspective and tell a story that others can appreciate is a very rewarding experience. Being selected out of such an impressive group of talented photographers meant so much more than just recognition; it reminded me to trust my intuition.
The winners will be announces on May 16th via live stream. You can be sure I’ll be watching in anticipation. Stay tuned.
