From Obligation to Inspiration: A Creative Journey
Sleepless nights often lead to deep reflection, and tonight is no different. Lately, I’ve been carrying my Fuji camera everywhere—not for work, but to remind myself of why I fell in love with photography in the first place. Shooting for fun has been an intentional way to rediscover the joy and creativity that often gets buried under deadlines and obligations.
This year has been financially my best, which feels almost ironic. I’ve been more selective with the sessions and projects I take on, a stark contrast to the years when I said yes to everything out of a need to “pay the bills.” That shift wasn’t just financial—it was mental and emotional too. Standing firm in my pricing and learning to say no, not from a place of fear but from confidence, has been transformative. Where I once panicked, I now giggle. Where I once felt overwhelmed, I now feel steady.
Recently, I’ve been thinking about starting another photo series, and I found myself revisiting an old favorite: the Officer Xavier project. That series was special, not just for the images but for the connections it created. Through my son’s youthful kindness and enthusiasm, relationships were formed between police departments, community members, and even our own family. It was a reminder of how powerful a single story can be—not just to those who view it, but to those who live it.
Though my son no longer dreams of becoming a police officer, his heart for service and protecting others hasn’t changed. Those photos captured a moment in time when his confidence was as infectious as his smile, and his hope for the world seemed limitless. Looking back now, I see more than a photo series—I see a lesson. A reminder that life’s greatest stories are often born out of simplicity, connection, and kindness.
As I wait for sleep to find me, I think about the next story waiting to be told. I’m no longer chasing projects out of obligation; instead, I’m letting inspiration guide me. This season of my life is teaching me that growth isn’t just about what you achieve, but about what you let go of—fear, doubt, and the idea that success always comes from saying yes.
The beauty of revisiting the past is that it helps shape the future. So, I’ll carry my camera and my hope, trusting that the next series will find me, just as this shift in perspective has. Life, like photography, is about seeing things through a different lens—and sometimes, the most meaningful images are the ones we didn’t plan to capture.
Until inspiration hits again,
Nakeshia
