Miracles Do Happen
“Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – psalm 37:3-4
My journey started three years ago when I came across a photography forum for women. Soon I wanted to be part of their special program that features photographers work online and in print. Surely (so I thought), I would have no problem of being accepted. I had photographed since 2007, and I knew how to photograph in manual mode. Well, as some of you know, I didn’t make it on my first try. I was off by 3 points to make it in the program.
Last year was my third try to make it; this time I missed the goal by one stinking point. Honestly, I was devastated and I vowed to never.ever.try.again. After the third denial, I starting just shooting for myself. Making art with my specialty lenses; having pure joy just creating for myself, and once in awhile share it online.
Well, in November the bug bit me again. I wanted to be part of the program. Not so much that I needed the recognition; I had that among my photography friends. However, the program has helped many photographers to get their name out there; with camera companies and clients alike. Honestly, I want to do something that brings joy to the last part of my life. And photography is it for me.
So, I started looking through my work again. Removed many images from my portfolio, adding work that I was proud of. During all that time I kept in contact with one my best photography friends. I shared with her that I wanted to try again. But not my way; the proper way. I studied all the rubrics, removed more images, added new work. In February I started seriously working on my portfolio again. I contacted another photographer to see if she is willing to give me critique on my work. She was. To tell you the truth, she was a God sent. She was tough on me and my work, but I knew she meant well. So with two photography friends, I worked two months on my portfolio before submitting again.
On Monday (after a very long wait of 4 weeks), I received my acceptance letter. It still is sinking in, but I am so over the moon. And I upped my score by 3 points from last year…
So why am I sharing with you my journey? Because I don’t want you to give up on your dream. No matter what your dream is, stay focused on the Lord, and don’t run ahead. My best friend told me that “I finally got out of my way, and gave it to God”. She is right. I was too stubborn to see that.
“Lord of Heaven and Earth. Your way is always the right way. Thank you for giving me peace, patience and a vision to fulfill my dream. Thank you for sending friends my way that helped me through the tough part. All in all, the glory is to You. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.”
Photo & Content Copyright © Iris Nelson
How we need those affirmations from our colleagues on the journey! I’m proud for you.
Thank you so much, Luwana.
I am so happy for you and proud of you!
Thank you so much Bernadine. I am thankful for your support of my photography over the years.
Congratulations! I love the steaming tea and cookies photo. Your perseverance, and putting your dream in God’s hands, paid off. I take this word of encouragement as I try to get two books published.
Thank you so much, Katie. Yes, it was a long journey, but well worth if for me. Blessings on your project of publishing.