what happened 4 years ago.
BSC-Before South Carolina I was becoming well know in the photography industry. I spoke at conferences, was co-creator of the hugely popular Love Affair Workshop that sold out in minutes, and created the mentoring fundraiser for Thirst Relief International that consistently brings in a huge amount of donations for the organization every year.
I was out in the world making things happen. Good things. I was helping people. I was photographing amazing couples and creating great relationships with my clients. It was fun. I loved my work and I loved photography and I loved my couples.
When I moved to South Carolina, I took a year sabbatical as my youngest child transitioned into kindergarten. The sabbatical turned into 18 months and finally I was ready to re-enter the industry. Around that time a couple from Utah hired me to photograph their wedding. We scheduled the get to know you shoot (engagement) to be photographed in SLC, Utah. It had been almost 2 years since I’d been back to Utah. I decided to add a couple of days to the trip and offer some sessions to my former clients and friends since I was already going to be in town. I offered a $500 session and included a DVD of images from the shoot.
Within a few minutes, of sending the email with the offer, I received an embittered, angry email, filled with name calling, from a photographer I thought was my friend. At first I thought it was a joke. Until I started receiving emails a couple of times an hour from them. The emails kept coming, relentlessly, through out the entire day. Each email getting worse, telling me that I was a disgrace to the industry, calling me names I won’t repeat, and telling me they were going to out me for the fraud I was to every photographer they knew. In one email they said that they had just been talking to a photographer about what a complete joke I was.
I was devastated.
And that would be a massive understatement.
I deleted the emails and blocked the person from my inbox and removed them from my newsletter.
But the damage had been done.
I didn’t send any more emails for the offer. I hesitantly took only the sessions that booked me from that first initial email.
The next day the couple, who had hired me for their wedding in Utah, wrote me an email and said they wanted to cancel because they thought it was unprofessional for me to take additional work while I was in town for their engagement session.
It felt like a 1-2 punch and I went down for the count.
A few weeks later, I headed for the SLC airport-hoping, that when I touched down and walked toward the baggage claim, there wouldn’t be a huge mob of angry and disgruntled photographers waiting for me. (I know that sounds crazy but it really was my fear.)
In the months previous I had been so excited to return to Utah and look up old friends both in and outside the photography community. I was looking forward to seeing people I hadn’t seen in 2 years.
Instead, I called no one. I hoped no one would discover I was in Utah. I went to my scheduled photo shoots and stayed in my hotel. Quietly, I slipped in and out of town.
I went back to SLC last year. Again, I came and went as quietly as possible; convinced that no one would want to see me and if they did it would only be to say they were disgusted that I would only charge $500 a session and give away negatives, too…and they would mention what a joke I was to the industry now.
I stayed away.
After that day, I heard all of those words ring in my head every time I’ve tried to make a business decision, with each email I sent out, and with every interaction. I still pushed forward but those words would make me doubt. It’s felt like I’ve been trying to move against a tide of molasses.
Until this past November I hadn’t been to a single conference, WPPI, workshop, etc. Nothing.
I know that this one experience shouldn’t have stopped me. I should have been able to shrug it off. It shouldn’t have mattered like it did. It shouldn’t have set me back so dramatically. But it did.
I’m owning the experience here so I can officially move on. I’m owning that it happened. And that it hurt me deeply. And that 4 years is enough of my life to give to this part of my story.
Because what I’m doing now is really important. I believe in what I’m creating. I’ve seen it change people’s lives. I’m inspired and excited about what I’ve been putting out into the world. But I’m living it small. I’m tired of letting someone else’s words hold me hostage. I didn’t mean to let it happen but those words from all those years ago have made me afraid. I’ve allowed that experience to keep me playing small and worried and hoping that no one will call me out again. I’ve given those words too much power.
They’ve made me fearful of big crowds of photographers and all people who may figure out that I’m teaching myself. I’m learning as I go. I’m doing the best I can. That I’m part of you.
I’ve given enough of my life away to this moment that hurt me.
I’m telling this story here because I’ve been hiding and I’ve been scared. And I’ve been doubting myself since that day.
And I need you to know.
I need you to know so I can move on and do important work.
So I can go back to not being so scared. So I can go back to being the girl that doesn’t hide, the girl that doesn’t live small.
I want to be me again.
I’m not writing this so you’ll tell me I was right and the client was wrong or I was wrong and the client was right.
I’m not writing this so you’ll ask me who the photographer was that wrote me these emails so we can talk about what a jerk they were.
I’m writing this because I need it.
I’m writing this because I’m ready to come out of hiding.
I’m writing this because I want to trust myself again.
Davina Fear is a Familyness Adventurer.
She blogs at davinafear.com. Have you signed up for familyness all year round? Click here.
By day, I photograph families. By night, I build forts the size of elephants with my family. I live in a yellow house. I believe real life is the best getaway ever.
66 Comments
Thank you for your honesty with this post. I, too, learned the hard way that it is imperative to surround yourself with people who are for you, rather than just with you. All the best to to you and your new adventure in fearlessness. If you ever need someone to cheer for you in the corner, I’m there! You’re super talented.
Thank you, Rachel. It’s so true! That one word ‘for’ can make such a big difference. Thank you for cheering for me. I’m so grateful for your encouraging words.
Davina ~ You have me in tears. I can relate to living small and letting others words hold me hostage. I am proud of you for having the courage to say Enough!! I met you one time at eWomen and have followed you since. Yes… it’s definitely time to let the Davina light shine! You are brilliant and others deserve to see it.
Susan, thank you for letting me know that I’m not alone in letting others words hold me captive. It’s so good to know that I’m not the only one that gives words more credit than they are due sometimes. Thank you, dear Susan.
I can’t wait to see what you create next! I’ve been inspired by you and your work since I first met you at the Love Affair Workshop in Atlanta in 2009. I pray this post continues to break you free of words that should have never been spoken to you. I believe your best is yet to come!
Thank you so much Candice. Love Affair was so amazing and exactly one year before this happened. I think I was already feeling vulnerable and the words went straight to my tender places. Thank you for believing in me and what’s ahead. I would really love to get together with you since we live so close. I think you and Dan are beautiful in so many ways.
Hey Davina!
Thanks so much for sharing! You never know what’s going on in someone else’s life. I’m so sorry that someone made you feel so small! Honestly, that person probably lashed out because they felt threatened by you. That is their problem, they need to learn to deal with it without putting you down. I went to the Love Affair Atlanta and met you and the other gals. You were so sweet and helpful and will never forget that wonderful workshop! You and the other ladies are still an inspiration to me. I’m excited that you are coming out of hiding and can’t wait to see what you do!! Good Luck!
Thank you so much, Cristina. It’s so scary to say that you felt small especially when for so many years you’ve been worrying about what other people will think. I’m sure the person was feeling scared too…maybe not by me but by other things. Thank you for sharing that…I’d like my heart to start feeling compassion for them instead of hurt. I deeply appreciate your beautiful words about Love Affair!
How very difficult it must have been to write this and then actually hit the post button. I’m so excited for you and what will come with pushing fear aside. Can’t wait to hear about it!
You are totally right! I hesitated so many times on hitting publish. Thank you for knowing that, Marissa! And thank you for being excited! You are wonderful to have written to me. Thank you!
Davina, after reading this, I wanted to thank you for being you! It’s coming up on 4 years since you were a huge part of one of the best days of my life! You became a part of our family when you chose to be a part of Emery’s birth, and I can’t thank you enough for capturing the images of one of my most precious memories! Thank you for just being you!!
Alexas, your day was one of my favorite days, too! 🙂 I’m completely in love with your family. Seeing your name here means so much to me. Thank you, dear Alexas, for telling me this. You hold a special place in my heart. I hope we see each other soon.
Davina,
I am really glad to hear that you are back! I followed your wedding work for years, and I wondered WHAT HAPPENED to make this incredibly talented lady stop producing work (publicly at least). Cheers to coming back!!
http://www.jesseclements.com
Thank you Jesse for following me those years ago! And thank you for the cheers! 🙂
Really sorry to hear about this experience, but so glad you’re airing it, and letting yourself be free of it. I really can’t imagine what the thinking was in those e-mails, but I don’t suppose they were based on logic. We loved having you as our photographer and are so grateful you were a part of our day back in 2007! Excited for you as you enter a Spring full of hope and without this weight holding you down in silence. Shine on!
Claire! Thank you so much for your words! I can’t believe how much your little family has grown. You are a beautiful and honest and wonderful mom. I love watching your FB feed and I LOVED being at your awesome day. I still remember being on the dance floor photographing you and your dad! Such fun memories! 🙂
That, my sweet friend, was BRAVE! It takes guts to admit that we’re afraid of the things that are holding us back. Thank you for sharing your story, for being brave enough to be human and personable. Thank you for the work you do to empower photographers, and mothers, and fathers, and human beings everywhere. I look up to you, more now than ever. 🙂
Oh thank you, Teri!! Your words are healing ointment. And thank you for telling me that I’ve been brave. I think you are wonderful and I’m so grateful for your words and bravery on FB. Your willingness to dive into shame and vulnerability have inspired ME! <3
Thank you for sharing this, I feel inspired to keep on pressing towards te goal i want to continue giving my best. It hurts me just to think of the dificult time you went through I myself have been through some horrible moments where others try to push you down. I heard this on sunday at church because the message was about conflicts and the effects of people hurting others the preacher said
” Haters thank you for making us stronger and for giving us something to share and be inspiration to others” every trial is a step towards victory
Melissa, hearing you say that you feel inspired to keep pressing on makes me so happy…happy that what I’ve written gives you hope and strength. I love your perspective that people come into our lives and give us an opportunity to become someone stronger! Thank you!
Davina, you are one of the most giving people I have ever met and it breaks my heart to think anyone could be so small to have made you feel anything less. I am so shocked when people are just mean. You have been a constant inspiration to both myself and to Niki. I am so happy to hear that you are breaking free from your pain. You have made some of theost beautiful pictures I’ve ever seen and I cannot wait to see what is next for you.
Kim…I adore you and Niki. I still remember your fierceness there on Bald Head that night in the crazy windy weather! Thank you so much for your reassurance and support and compassion. It’s made this day better than I could have expected. For sure. <3
Davina – I love your honesty and your strength. You have always inspired me in how you live and in your art. You have so much to offer this world! I hate that those words took hold of you. I know that whatever you choose to do, you will do it with immense passion and those around you will be blessed.
Thank you, Courtney! Thank you!
Davina, I’ve never met you before, but I applaud you. Thank you for writing this. So many people can relate to this story! How many of us hold ourselves back because we’ve been hurt and we don’t want to be hurt anymore?
The last email I received from a member of my abusive family after I cut off contact to put an end to their abuse was scathing, vile, and totally devastating. They had to get in one last stabbing, and I let it affect me, just as you let the nasty email you received affect you. I think lots of people do that. I spent a few years afraid to put my offers out there, for fear that my family would come along and trash me in public, saying I don’t know enough to be helping writers, even though they came to me for help for years. They still might shred me, but I can’t let the fear of them stop me. I gradually came out of hiding, too, but your post has inspired me to really get going and do a marketing push to get more clients. Thank you. I wish you all the best!
Oh my goodness, Jennifer! I’m so sorry that your pain involves your family. It’s so painful to be hurt by a friend and even more deeply painful to be hurt by family. I’m so proud of you for coming out of hiding. I love your website and the way you help writer tame their fiery dragons! I can tell you’re living what you teach! You are so right, I’m feeling the same way, fear can’t keep stopping me. Thank you for your supportive and wonderful note, Jennifer!
You have been a true inspiration to me! Honestly, I want to be a better mother and wife because of truth you have spoken into my life. I can truly see Jesus shining through you. Keep on doing what you’re doing!
Thank you, Taylor, I feel like Jesus is letting the light in. I’m so glad you can see it. <3
Pretty sure many of us can relate to this, and putting this out there frees you- but also encourages the rest of us to try to block out the negative & try not to stop being who we ARE because of a few Negative Nellies!!! You go Davina.
Sarah, thank you so much for saying that you can relate. It does feel so freeing to put it out there, doesn’t it?
I wondered what happened to you. I followed you for quite some time and was inspired. Thank you for sharing and being open. I just came out of my own personal hell and back on my feet. It’s encouraging to see that I’m not alone. Thank you.
You totally aren’t alone, Libby! I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been through a difficult time. I hope you’ve had support through it all. It can be difficult to recover from stuff that takes us down (knowingly or unknowingly). Getting to the other side has been quite the journey, I’m sure. We are in this together. 🙂
I’m not one to leave comments on blogs, but this one I have to write in to..
I have to tell you that for the past 5 years you have been my absolute favorite photographer (and everyone knows it..). Your style of photography is what initially got my excited about pursuing photography, and to this day is what influences where I want to go. If I had to explain what my goal is for my photography style, I would say Davina Fear.
Thank you for your vulnerability with this post. Being a “creative” is hard. Being self employed is even harder. You put yourself out there, heart on your sleeve, and when someone hurts you, it cuts deep. I think we all experience this on some level, and sadly most of us aren’t willing to share those experiences so we feel alone. So thank you.
If you ever feel like coming to the desert (AZ), I’ll be first in line for a photo shoot.
Thank you for always inspiring me.
– Amy
Amy, I’m honored that you would take the time to comment, especially when it is out of the usual for you. Thank you! I’m also honored that you have been such an ardent admirer of my style and work. It’s humbling to know that the work I do has inspired you so much. Thank you so much for telling me!
I appreciate your gentleness and kindness and understanding about how it feels to give and then to want to pull back when it ends up hurting. I believe you are so right that there are so many of us who have felt the pain of an experience like this.
I hope I’ll see you in Arizona someday! Thank YOU, Amy!
Davina, I also met you in 2009 in Atlanta and think you are an amazing photographer. I have always admired the work you’ve done for clients and the beautiful way that you document your family’s lives. After spending time with you at the workshop, I learned that you are one on the kindest, most genuine, and humble photographer’s out there–and now I know that you are also one of the bravest! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. You are awesome, lady!
Melissa, I remember us talking at length during a lunch at Love Affair! Thank you for your kind words, for reaching out to me, and for reminding me of wonderful times. <3
Davina, I love you for reasons just like this 🙂
I read something a bit ago that said when you are at the top of the game, just when you’re about to break through to that next level of growth or expertise, we often hit a hurdle, or major road block just like this. And that it is how we handle that that takes us to the next level or not.
It’s like the universe saying…”so this is what you’re afraid of, one of your biggest fears (which I know soooo many of us have the fear of being thought of a fraud in a creative field- because we’re all constantly learning and growing-you never perfect it) let’s just throw it at you, so you can see that in the end there was nothing to fear – you’ve got this, and it doesn’t own you. Now go get ’em and shine your light!”
You are amazing. Just one single post of yours changed my whole thought process years ago. And this post will do the same!
Hugs!!
Dearest Destri! Thank you! I’m sure you are so right. I’ve heard that before, too, but it’s so easy to forget when you’ve been in the thick of things. Thank you for that ray of light. It’s crazy how, when you’ve been believing the lies in your head (that feel like truth), they can distort how you predict an outcome. The truth is…there’s been love around the corner the whole time. I had no idea it would be there for me. And like you said…I found out there was nothing to fear. Wow. <3 Thank you, Destri.
Wow. I’m so sorry. I had a similar experience that kept me from ever shooting another non-family wedding. It still haunts me and I can’t say I’ve dealt with it as well as you have. But maybe I will learn to keep going. Maybe I will accept another wedding job someday. But I’m not there yet.
Best wishes,
Maren
Maren, I’m so sorry to hear that you had a similar experience! It can be so debilitating, can’t it? You don’t think that it will be or that it was…and then you start looking around and find that it’s not stayed in a tiny little box up on a shelf. It’s managed to creep into your life in so many other ways. I don’t know that I’m going back to photography but I’m glad to be able to open myself up to trusting myself and my decisions again in every area of my life. Thank you for being brave and sharing even this much of your experience here, Maren. Not sure if it will help but Brene Brown’s books have been fantastic for me. You can read a little more about how I came to write this because of her words, here: http://www.themotherhuddle.com/the-power-of-brene-browns-words/
Being haunted by your experience is so difficult, Maren. I know what that feels like. Let me know if you’d like to talk more. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your heart Davina its so refreshing to hear honesty amongst the noise. It’s hard not to let piercing words hurt us, you’re only human and your work comes from your heart so it shows that you care. Keep doing great work and putting your heart on your sleeve. Whenever you’re making a change that matters there will always be haters but we can choose to let it stop us or motivate us. I completely understand feeling paralyzed by fear, feeling that you’re stuck and can’t move on until something changes. Congrats on being brave and taking that step. You’re awesome!!!!!
Thank you so much, Mimika! It’s so true tat it’ hard not to let words hurt us. That saying we used to chant on the playground, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Is SOOOO not true!! Thank you so much for saying that you understand what it’s like to be paralyzed by fear. I so appreciate your supportive and kind words, Mimika! <3
I read these stories and feel for you. To feel like you have to hide your gifts and love because a few people choose to be bullies. Kudos to you for embracing vulnerability and doing amazing things anyway.
Thank you, Josh. It feels good to have it out in the open. And I’ve loved the wonderfully unexpected outpouring of love and kindness and story sharing that has reminded me that none of us are alone. Thank you, Josh, for all of the love you are constantly putting out into the world. It’s beautiful. You are beautiful.
GIRL!!!!!!!!! Glad you’re getting back in the saddle.
You know what? This was my very first WPPI ever …. and know what I was THIRSTING to hear … I want to hear from moms who choose to spend very quality time with their families and who have a commitment to a good business. I’d love to hear from you. 🙂
Of course, I”ve been off all but 2 blogs for the last few years since I had my son (!!!!!!!!) …. but just know I still think of you as an industry leader.
Karen! Congrats on your first WPPI ever!! That takes bravery to go to one of those!! Yay! I love to hear from moms like that, too. Thank you so much, Karen, for believing I’m in that category. 🙂
It sounds like you’ve done such a good job of simplifying your life so that you can do what matters to you. Way to go!
Simplifying is SO HARD. And it feels like a failure when I look to the left and right at what others are doing. Yes, there are rock stars out there, but they don’t have the sweet son that I do. They have other projects and adventures, but the adventure I’m on … it’s the right one for me here and now.
As is yours, girl! 🙂
Dear Davina, I feel as though I have been watching this industry, from the sidelines, for a long time now. I’ve also been watching what you have been creating and building in SC and although I wondered what happened, I saw your pure heart and the blessing you have given your family and other families. I’ve definitely been “fearful” of the industry’s increased competiviteness and the insatiable need for stardom. Perhaps my age had something to do with my fearful wisdom. Back in 2008, I already felt like a pretty decent photographer (since 2001) but I heard about the first Love Affair Workshop and I’m still thankful I dragged my old self to it. I gleaned more about life than anything else and will never forget your testimony about how “fear drives all of our decisions.” Also your natural talent. Rather than ever think you have been fearful, perhaps the work you have completed since is more of a blessing in so many people’s lives than you are aware of. Especially your husband and children’s lives. Perhaps rather than fear, you had the integrity to hold your head high and carry on with dignity. That is winning against people who were obviously starving for the wrong kind of something, albeit money/fame. In the end, passion, forged relationships, and making photography a sort of ministry is what I learned from you. Don’t ever stop. love, deb
Thank you Deb! Thank you for your vision of what this experience has looked like from the outside. It’s so easy to start listening to voices that aren’t your own…ones that don’t serve you. Thank you for sharing the possibility of dignity and integrity instead of fear. There is so much more to this experience than I imagined now that I’m sharing it. You are a powerful lady, Deb.
Speechless. Well not quite. I spent most of today thinking about what to say. Unfortunately, big crowds of photographers have become something to fear. As the recession and the digital revolution weighed many of us down, it seems that many photographers now blame everyone who shares their dream.
Your work and spirit have always been an inspiration to me. Back when I was in wedding photography, I would sometimes shoot an email to a big name photographer and let them know that I found their work inspiring. With each email I thought, “They’re so famous and so successful, they probably won’t even read my email.” I was always surprised by the humbled and grateful response that followed quickly.
I’m learning more and more that everyone, even very successful people (like you) need encouragement. So better late than never: I’ve always appreciated your style. Back in my photography days you were one of many people whose work inspired me to infuse myself more into images, to seek out things as only I could see them. I’m so glad I got to meet you even briefly (at Joe Buissink’s workshop) and pray that I will be able to provide more positivity to the people in the world. You never know when someone may really need it.
Sharon, I appreciate your thoughtful approach. I can tell that you’ve learned a lot and worked to create a new perspective on the industry. It’s so true that there are so many people that are immediately willing to help and reach back to those that reach out to them. There is so much good in the world and in the industry. Just a month or so ago, I reached out to photographers and others and was so astounded by how quickly people were willing to rally around my project. I think that project experience opened up my heart a little and let Brene’s words sink in a little deeper. I know everything that’s been happening lately has led up to this moment of letting go of what’s been keeping me afraid.
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement. I deeply appreciate it. 🙂
And THIS is why I am the luckiest CWA member in history – best mastermind teammates, hands down! Davina, you just floored me with your courage. I cringe thinking about opening wide my heart and soul and laying them bare like this and then hitting the “publish” button, and you DID IT. Holy. Crap. I am SO insanely proud of you!!!!
I am honored to know you, Davina. Honored and deeply blessed.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”
That’s you, honey. Greatness lies within you. And I’m so excited to be here to see you set it free! 🙂
*big fat hug*
Thank you, Sheila!! I’m so grateful that I’ve been blessed to get to know you. Your enthusiasm for others success is a beautiful thing. Thank you for the big fat hug! <3
You are a sensitive soul –as am I—And when one person is against us, somehow it suddenly feels like the whole world is against us. I totally get it. You are so bold to share this with us all. Your vulnerability only makes you stronger. There is a common thread of insecurity that runs through us all, and I’m so sorry you felt ashamed and forced to hide. You should’ve shouted it from the rooftops earlier and you would have quickly learned that you are not alone and so many people have your back. And also, that you can charge whatever the heck you want in your business:)))
You are amazing. Always have been. Welcome back!
Xoxoxo
Davina – I don’t know you personally – but I have been a reader of your blog for a long time. Today’s post hit me very hard and I felt the need to comment for the first time. It stinks that we live in a time where people can’t conduct business as they see fit (for their own lives) and that others feel like they need to offer their two cents at every turn. I am very proud of you for writing this post – giving the “experience” words on a blog and then moving forward. No matter what life throws at you – it’s done to create the person you are now. It has given you strength or else you wouldn’t have written this post. Not that you NEED to hear this – but you are amazing – and the world is a better place with your talents back in it. Hugs to you.
Bri, thank you for telling me that I’m not alone. It feels crazy to lean toward believing the world is against us. So funny how words over a long time can have so much power. I’m believing that positive words over a long time can have the reverse affect. I’m hoping that I can be part of *that* movement. I’m seeing more and more that I’ve also been on the side of the fence that has hurt others, too. And I’m hoping, with that awareness, I will find myself more often giving grace, understanding, and my own vulnerablity. Thank you so much, Bri…you’ve written me some lovely words, sensitive soul.
I found this post quite by accident, from your post on your other blog that I didn’t realize was you, which I found thanks to a Pinterest post that had nothing to do with any of this. Yet it all feels like serendipity to lead me over here. I’m so heartbroken that you went through all of this. You have always been an inspiration for me, and a helpful teacher in that I’ve used your questionnaires for my clients for years now. I’ve always appreciated you so much — and wondered what happened after your move to South Carolina. I knew about the sabbatical, but then you never returned.
So happy to see you reclaiming this for yourself. You are enough. Thank you for sharing this.
Davina,
You are wonderful! I am so sorry that you were attacked like that by a colleague! You should follow your natural business sense, and give people what they want. Old school will be obliterated by supply and demand. I would never hire a photographer that wouldn’t give me ownership of the prints. I guess that is why I have thousands of dollars in my own equipment, and take most of my own pictures. Funny thing…I know a whole lot of people just like me, and we all call ourselves hobbyists.
What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
You are amazing…go out and do what you need to do! If you are ever in San Diego, I’d love to have lunch!
Davina! I am so proud of you! I love you and I don’t ever want you to stop shinning your light on us. We all do what we have to do and believe me I’ve offered the same $500 deal even recently. Those that judge are judging out of fear and their own self-doubt. I’m so happy that you came out and spoke at Foundation Conference in November. The world needs more of you not less! Keep going and believe in yourself, I do and I know so many others to as well. xoxox
Thank you for this courageous post and for sharing how you are healing from that devastating blow. There’s a lot here to ponder. The idea of living small relates to something I heard a few years ago about how you define yourself. Too many of us allow other people to define us. It’s wonderful that you are overcoming that tendency. This post is a blessing- thanks again for sharing it!
Thank you for sharing this, Davina. I was one of those fortunate participants in the 2009 Love Affair in Atlanta. I am still friends with some of those girls. It was so amazing for me.
I admire you and your work so much. I feel heartbroken that someone was so unkind to you and that this affected you this way. I am often downcast in my own experience as a photography business owner. It is very difficult to run your own business. ( in fact I am thinking of quitting the whole thing right now).
Bless you, bless you, Davina. You are an inspiration not only as a photographer, but as a mother and wife. You are wonderful and beautiful.
May God heal and bless your life and journey from this day forward.
xxoo
Mary Anne
Davina, thank you for sharing this with the world. I too know what it feels like to be held hostage by the opinions of others. By sharing your story, you give everyone else permission to share, relate, and know that we aren’t alone in such struggles.
Good for you! It’s clearly a new day, and you are taking your power back and turning the page. Woohoo!!!
The world better get ready for you baby!
Davina,
I met you in 2006 at a Pictage conference, where your work, your honesty, genuine spirit and love for all things completely blew me away. You were so open, so accepting that I honestly felt like we were friends, even though we’ve never really met. I’ve followed your work since then and always wondered what happened to this beautiful soul who had so much to share with the world. I’m horrified about what happened to you, but unfortunately, it doesn’t surprise me. I’ve been in a similar situation of receiving horrid emails criticizing my business decision and I know just how much it can hurt. I’m so sorry that someone was so callus to you.
Please know there are so many people out here at admire you, your work and your passions, and we will always support you. I for one, and looking forward to what the future holds for you and what strength will rise from this heartache.
Here’s to an exciting, fulfilling and successful future!
Thank you for your raw honesty + sharing. You have inspired me for years + I am also a HUGE fan of you work. I will always welcome you with open arms in Utah! 🙂 Love your new work + wisdom + words. Thank you for making the internet a more beautiful place. xo
[…] What happened 4 years ago […]
You know the more success that comes your way, the more Satan wants a piece of you. More than a piece… he wants to knock you down big, for good. I’m so glad you’re back… stronger than ever! You are ENOUGH!