ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Greencrest Manor, May 2024. Arabella Vanderzee in LEIN Bridal, wearing Jennifer Behr. 7:00 PM, in the final burst of light.

Personal note: The photograph selected strikes a chord for me: I’m proud of it. I think the technical aspects of the photograph are fair, and selfishly, I’m also choosing this photo because I love her expression of self-possession and grace. I adore the way the light fell in this one moment.
Earlier this year, I don’t think I would’ve been able to verbalize that. I certainly would have never considered entering any contest. With a background in social work and growing up with narcolepsy (both are parts of the “why” of my work), I had felt like a fraud whenever I advocated for clients to be proud of their accomplishments and encouraged them to take time for themselves and their passions. Until this photograph.

Earlier this spring, I’d been accepted to an industry retreat, but filled with imposter syndrome, I was hardly able to sit still. I felt so unlike myself. I nearly thought I’d be found out and asked to leave.
I was so insignificant and untalented next to these industry leaders. To my amazement, they showed me kindness, compassion, and grace.
While sharing wisdom and insights from their own experiences, this collective of brilliant and differently talented people reminded me to stay anchored, to celebrate my worth, and to focus on my own line of sight. These artists encouraged me to remember why I started my work and to keep going.

I can never thank them enough.

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