Finding Comfort in the Struggle #1 : Navigating the Journey to becoming a great Photographer

I have been meaning to write this blog for a while. I mean, I have been meaning to write blogs again for an even longer time! So here we go. I have always been on a quest to become better, to push myself to the limits and to achieve greatness. But the road to "success" is not always easy. Yeah I know, cliche. I have struggled with self-doubt, burnout and the constant pressure to be perfect. However, I have come to realize that these struggles are what make my journey so valuable. At the end of the day I still even wonder, did I push hard enough? Attending and photographing Mountain Bike Events such as Crankworx can be incredibly physically, mentally and creatively demanding. The days can be long and the challenges can be intense. But despite all of this, I keep coming back for more. "Why?" I say to myself with my head in my hands.

Here is a photo that I now find hilarious. It is me sitting in the car, ready to go home, after a 5 day long event.

I have found comfort in the struggle, because I know that it is through these challenges that I am growing and learning. Being uncomfortable has gotten me, and will get me to some incredible places. It`s easy to get caught up in the comparison game and to feel discouraged when I see the work of other photographers. But I have learned to focus on my own journey and to seek inspiration from others, rather than comparison or jealousy. I remind myself that everyone starts somewhere and that my journey is unique to me. I will never be someone else. There are moments when the stress and pressure become too much, and I need to take a deep breath and step back. The standard I have set for myself can seem out of reach, but I have come to embrace this. The drive to attain incredible images is what pushes me to continually improve and to never settle for mediocrity. Finding comfort in the struggle is about embracing the challenges that come with pursuing a passion. It`s about realizing that growth and learning come from uncomfortable situations and that success is a journey, not a destination. So, take a deep breath, embrace the struggle and keep pushing forward, Amelia.