And just like that-

If you had told me four short years ago that I would be South Carolina Photographer of the Year in 2021, I would have laughed and laughed.  I always looked at other photographers' work with the most respectful envy, dreaming that one day I might be good enough.  Good enough....I'm still struggling with believing that I have what it takes, but last year many other very skilled professionals looked at my humble attempt and said "Well done." To say I was surprised is the understatement of the year.  When your peers judge you against an international standard, it's hard to question the outcome...yet here I sit, still questioning.  We photographer's fight very hard against imposter syndrome, you see.  Look it up, it's a thing.  According to Wikipedia, it's when you doubt your skills, talent and accomplishments - you lack internal acknowledgment.  That may be one reason I participate in print competition.  To get some acknowledgment.  It's still hard for me to take a compliment and finish an edit with complete satisfaction, but with the help of my astonishingly talented colleagues and my family, I'm getting better at it.  If you are a photographer, an artist, a creator...if you are starting your journey- please don't quit.  Some days you will be over the moon and some days you will want to just hide in your safe place until a new day comes. We all do it.  We all ebb and flow.  Whatever you do, just keep going and creating.   I believe in you.