Over a month ago my cousin noticed I was learning photography and asked me to do some shoots for his portfolio. Little did I know my cousin was motivated like me, something I am very appreciative of. Upon gearing up for our photography shoot I learned he wanted to be a fitness model and was working on getting his "Stand Out Fitness" company off the ground that let me know that he was serious about his business and I ensured him I would do my best to make sure he looked outstanding in his shots. I was glad he trusted my limited photography skills and I didn't know what was going to come out of our first session. The results were amazing and I discovered this guy is three times as motivated as I am. The day after our shoot my instagram starts blowing up left and right and I am getting all types of likes on my pictures and I get contacted by a photographer who wanted to mentor me and saw potential in my pictures.
My cousin and I ended up doing a second session this time with better camera's and with more research under our belt. A few days after our shoot I get a call from my cousin who is upset because he receives negative feedback and criticism for going after his dream. I had to let him know that taking the road less traveled is going to be met by resistance and not everyone is going to understand his vision and to keep moving forward. I am happy to say he now has an agency interested in representing him and photography business is starting to thrive as well.
An important take away from my story is to nurture your dream and resistance will be met. We get comfortable in our situations and when you dare to dream an impossible dream there will be doubt and doubters. Stay true to your passion (with work of course) and move forward. Had I not followed my passions I would not be where I am now. Had my cousin decided to let the criticism discourage him and give up, his vision of being a fitness model would not be thriving.