"Not a Commodity " Day #25/366 Dlawr: Photo a Day 2024 I've thought a lot about my role as a photographer and business owner. I've listened to an infinite amount of business podcasts, attended workshops, sought mentors, and done a million things to improve and find direction in my business and life. But the truth is, I am not a commodity. I am a human being. I can not be bought or sold. Yes, I provide services to others, but at the end of the day, I am a human. And I think that's the most important thing to embrace. If you are a creator who is trying to share your art with the world and wants to succeed, just share your honest self. That is the way. It's not selling portraits or a product, it's just sharing your vision with the world and asking others to come along. For me, my vision and truth is that I believe we are all infinitely loved and beautiful. I believe wholeheartedly there is a seat for everyone at the table. Yes, I can sell you portraits, but my purpose is way deeper than that. My purpose is to be the best I can be and meet people where they are. And sometimes that involves monetary exchange. However, with or without getting paid, I will still offer the same things to the world. Why? Because that's who I am. And if you are reading this today and struggling with how you position yourself to the world. Fuck all input and thoughts from others that tell you how to be and just be. Be. You are not a commodity. You are a human being. Just be.