Moving Beyond Comparison and Competition

a blog header about moving beyond comparison and competition

Moving Beyond Comparison and Competition Into Self-Love and Acceptance

The journey begins with recognizing comparison and competition not as benchmarks of success but as distractions from our true paths. It’s easy to feel lesser in our own eyes when we measure ourselves against the polished images and accomplishments of others, whether that’s through social media, advertisements, or even the expectations of those around us.

Comparison

Comparison is the thief of joy.” I often share an analogy with friends and clients who find themselves ensnared in the web of comparison. Imagine you’re standing at a train station, awaiting the train that will whisk you away to your unique destination. Beside you pulls up a train gleaming with allure—equipped with the most comfortable seats, dazzling lights, and all imaginable luxuries. Meanwhile, your train hasn’t even arrived, or perhaps it seems modest in comparison. But here’s the thing: no matter how enticing the other train appears, it’s not headed to your destination. Your path—much like your brand, your craft, and the connections you forge with your clients—is uniquely yours. I’ve walked in those shoes, tempted by what others possess, thinking it might fill a void or bring a sense of achievement. However, true fulfillment comes from pursuing your own path, and embracing the journey that’s meant for you and your business. Letting go of comparison is crucial, for it frees you to move forward, following the route that’s authentically aligned with your vision and the experiences you wish to create. So, let’s focus on our own tracks, for that’s where our true journey unfolds.

Competition

I had always believed in the power of my photography to tell stories, to capture moments that spoke to the heart. Yet, seeing other photographers’ photos, likes, and shares on Facebook made me feel less than others. With every scroll, I felt a twinge of envy. Their success, measured in likes and engagement, seemed so much more than my own, making me question my talents and the path I had chosen. 

One day, I paused on a photo I had taken—a simple, yet profound moment I had captured, one that had always resonated deeply with me. It didn’t have hundreds of likes or shares, but it was meaningful. In that moment of reflection, I realized how far I had strayed from what truly mattered.

I decided then to change my perspective. I began to focus on the stories I wanted to tell, the moments I felt compelled to capture. I embraced the idea that my photography was about connection, not competition.

As I look back on that period of doubt, I see it as a crucial turning point. It taught me that the only validation that truly matters is the one that comes from within, from knowing that I am pursuing my passion and staying true to my vision. The likes and shares? They’re just numbers. My real success is measured in the moments I capture and the stories I tell through my lens.

Moving Through It

Moving past comparison and competition to embrace self-love and self-worth is a transformative journey that requires intention, practice, and patience. Here are strategies to guide you through this journey:

1. Recognize and Redirect Your Thoughts

Awareness is the first step. When you catch yourself comparing your life or work to others, acknowledge the thought without judgment and gently redirect your focus to your own journey. Remind yourself that social media and external appearances often highlight only the successes, not the struggles.

2. Cultivate Gratitude

Start a daily practice of gratitude. Focus on the things you appreciate about yourself and your life. This can shift your perspective from what you lack to what you possess, fostering a sense of abundance and contentment.

3. Set Personal Goals

Define success on your own terms. Set personal and professional goals that are aligned with your values and aspirations, not with societal expectations or the achievements of others. Celebrate your progress towards these goals, however small.

4. Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself. Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself as you would to a dear friend. Recognize that perfection is unattainable and that mistakes and setbacks are part of growth.

5. Limit Exposure to Triggers

If social media is a major source of comparison and dissatisfaction, consider limiting your exposure. Fill that time up with things you enjoy doing like going for walks, hiking, painting, or writing.

6. Celebrate Your Uniqueness

Embrace and celebrate what makes you unique. Recognize that your journey, with its ups and downs, contributes to your distinctive perspective and voice. Your individuality is your strength.

Conclusion

If I can move past comparison and competition, I know you can do it too! When we practice self-love and self-worth every day we learn that it is not a destination but a continuous journey. Remember, the only person you are in competition and comparison with is yourself,  no matter what society, social media or your neighbors next door want you to believe.

As you navigate your journey towards self-love and self-worth, remember that each step you take is a celebration of your unique story. A powerful way to honor this journey is through capturing moments that reflect your true essence and the beauty of your individuality.

Contact me today to book your session!

In a world saturated with filters and posed perfection, capturing authenticity in photography remains a powerful art. It’s about telling stories that resonate, evoke emotions, and connect people. One of the most inspiring examples of this is the film “Harper and Will.” This movie beautifully captures the essence of rediscovering oneself and connecting with others on a profound level. Below are some tips to help you capture authenticity in your photography, taking inspiration from the heartfelt story of Harper and Will.

Creating Connection Through Photography 

Just as Harper and Will find strength in their vulnerability, showing genuine emotion in your photography involves trusting the process and being open to capturing those unscripted moments. Here’s how to do it:

  • Engage with Your Subjects: Before picking up your camera, spend time talking with your subjects. Understand their stories, what makes them laugh, and what brings them joy or comfort.
  • Capture Candid Moments: Instead of staged poses, look for moments of genuine interaction. Like Harper and Will’s spontaneous adventures, the real magic happens when people forget the camera’s presence.

Be Vulnerable

Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability in your photographs. Vulnerability is powerful and can make your images resonate deeply with others. Remember, we are multifacted human beings- and we all want to connect on deeper levels!

  • Capture imperfections: Just as Will and Harper’s imperfections made them relatable, capturing imperfections in your photos can add depth and authenticity.
  • Express emotions: When you photograph yourself, allow your emotions to come through. Whether it’s joy, sadness, or contemplation, these emotions can tell a compelling story.

 

Use Natural Light

Natural light is your best friend when it comes to capturing authentic images. It can enhance the natural beauty of you or your  subjects and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

  • Golden hour magic: Photograph during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, flattering light that adds a touch of magic to your images. You can also use this time of day to create mood, character and emotion.
  • Find the right angles: Position your subject so that natural light highlights their features without casting harsh shadows. Experiment with angles to find the most flattering light.

 

Tell Your Story

Every photograph should tell a part of your story. Whether it’s a self-portrait or a candid shot of your loved ones, aim to convey a narrative that reflects your experiences and connections.

  • Choose meaningful locations: Just as the backdrop in “Harper and Will” played a role in their journeys, select locations that hold significance in your life.
  • Incorporate elements: Use props or elements that represent your interests or passions to add layers to your story.
An image of Steph Shanks outside holding a camera

Ready to Capture Your Story?

Are you ready to tell your story through captivating, authentic images? Whether you’re capturing life’s big milestones or the everyday beauty around you, these tips can help you create imagery that is both meaningful and memorable.

If you’re looking to take your photography to the next level, consider working with a professional photographer who understands the art of storytelling through images. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families capture their unique stories with authenticity and connection.

Book A Call with me to learn more about my services and start your photography journey today!

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An Empowering Portrait Session with Annie

Recently, I had the joy of photographing Annie, the inspiring Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2023 and national third-place finisher. Annie’s mission is all about advancing accessibility, inclusion, and awareness around disability and caregiving, and she’s impacted countless lives by speaking at over 52 events this year alone.

Building a Brand and a Legacy

During our session, Annie’s dedication to her platform, “Caring Is Caregiving,” was so clear. She’s using these headshots to grow her speaking business, Annie Speaks LLC, and her design brand, Annie Designs LLC, where she brings her creativity and vision to her clients. Her advocacy is close to my heart, too, as a caregiver myself for my son, Drew, who has cerebral palsy. We ended up chatting about the joys and struggles of caregiving, and I was deeply moved by her commitment to helping others feel seen and supported.

Fostering Community and Connection

Annie’s story reminds us that personal branding goes beyond self-promotion—it’s about creating genuine connections. Her work with nonprofits and her advocacy have created a community of support and inspiration. Whether through her speeches, her design work, or the images we captured, Annie is showing others how to embrace their story with purpose and courage.

You can follow Annie on Instagram here.

Image of Annie Heathcote in front of fireplace

The Journey Towards Empowerment

For Annie, personal branding is about more than just self-expression; it’s about empowerment and authenticity. Her work as an advocate, designer, and speaker showcases the incredible potential of personal branding to create positive change.

By sharing her story and values, Annie has inspired others to pursue their passions and make a difference. Her headshots have become a powerful tool in her mission, capturing her essence and amplifying her message.

Fostering Community and Connection Through Personal Branding

Personal branding isn’t just about self-promotion; it’s about building a community and connecting with like-minded individuals. Annie’s work with nonprofits and her speaking engagements have created a network of support and encouragement.

For women,  personal branding can be a powerful tool to foster connections. It allows you to share your experiences, wisdom, and passions with others who may be on similar journeys. Whether through social media, community events, or professional networks, your personal brand can be a bridge to meaningful relationships.

Practical Tips for Building Your Own Personal Brand

  1. Define Your Values: Identify the core values that guide your life and work. These will become the foundation of your personal brand.
  2. Craft Your Narrative: Share your story in an engaging and relatable way. Highlight your achievements, challenges, and aspirations.
  3. Invest in Quality Headshots: A professional headshot can enhance your credibility and make your brand more memorable.
  4. Engage Your Audience: Use social media, blogs, and speaking opportunities to connect with your audience and build a community.
  5. Stay Authentic: Be true to yourself in all aspects of your personal branding. Authenticity builds trust and loyalty.

Celebrating Stories Like Annie’s

Annie’s story embodies resilience, purpose, and faith—qualities that remind me why I love photographing women who are stepping into new chapters of life. If you’re ready to capture your own story, let’s connect. Whether it’s a personal milestone or a brand story, I’m here to help you shine. 

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Finding Your Voice Through Video: Faith Dey of LIVE WELL VIDEO

Faith’s Journey to Finding Her Voice

Like so many of us, Faith’s path was filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty. Finding her voice in a world that often feels crowded with stories was no small feat. But she persevered, trusting in her own growth and slowly breaking down the walls of self-doubt. Now, her journey fuels her mission to help others do the same.

When Faith created her business, she set out to build more than a videography business. She built a welcoming space for people to show up as their authentic selves, to share their unique stories with confidence. She believes that each of us deserves to be visible, to feel valued, and to know that our voices matter – especially for women in business who often don’t see themselves represented.

Faith Dey Live Well Video Personal Brand Photo

Bringing Women Together to Be Seen and Heard

Faith’s calling goes beyond the work of a typical videographer. As she started filming more clients, she began to notice  common thread in her work: “How many women are struggling with this?” she thought. “Every time I film somebody, they say, ‘I don’t like how I am on camera.’” But that inspired her to dig deeper, asking herself, What if we all just got together and supported each other to feel more visible, more comfortable – to truly accept who we are?

And that’s exactly what she’s done. Faith has created a beautiful community through LIVE WELL VIDEO that encourages women to embrace themselves, flaws and all. Her work is about so much more than just video – it’s about sharing honest stories, celebrating the perfectly imperfect, and empowering others to feel at home in their own skin.

Making an Impact: Capturing the Heart of Every Story

Through her work with LIVE WELL VIDEO, Faith has touched the lives of countless women, helping them feel seen and celebrated. Many of her clients describe working with her as a deeply transformative experience. One client shared, “Working with Faith was like finally being able to say what I’d been holding back for so long. She gave me the confidence to be me on camera, to show up as I am.”

Faith’s gentle, empathetic approach allows people to feel comfortable, safe, and loved as she captures their stories. Every video, every session is filled with heart, as Faith strives to bring out each person’s unique spirit, reminding them that they are enough just as they are.

Personal Brand Photography: Capturing the Real You

When Faith came to me for personal brand photography, it was clear that she wanted a photographer who could not only capture her personality but also help her feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. She shared, “Getting my brand photos with Steph was a no-brainer for me. I saw that her work is beautiful, and I also wanted to work with her because of the calming presence that she is. I had avoided getting professional photos done in the past because I felt self-conscious. I knew that Steph would be the perfect person for me because I knew I would be comfortable with her, and I trusted her to create beautiful branding shots that I would be proud to use.”

Ready to Find Your Voice?

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creator, or someone simply looking to show up a little more confidently, Faith’s story and her work are beautiful reminders that we all have a voice worth hearing. Reach out to LIVE WELL VIDEO to learn more about her work, or tune into her Visible Women podcast for weekly reminders that being visible is something we can all embrace, one small step at a time.

And if you’re ready to bring your own story to life, consider capturing it through photography as well. Together, video and photography create a rich tapestry of your journey, making it easier for the world to see and celebrate your unique voice.

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