Finding chicago documentary photography inspiration in the quiet, everyday moments of my own home has been the highlight of my year. Failure used to haunt me, but now I see it as an inevitable part of the process. This year I celebrated my 4th year as a photographer. As my oldest turned 5, and my little one is just 2, I realized that never before have I failed at so much—and never before have I learned so much.
I started the year so strong, full of ideas and the kind of invigorating rush that only a new year brings. But then projects fell through, and shoots I attempted didn’t quite land. Truth be told, about 99% of the new things I tried ‘failed.’ While I could blame a lack of organization, I think it was just a part of the process. Along with that failure came the realization that the work that did work out would have never happened without the courage to put myself out there.
Finding Chicago Documentary Photography Inspiration
I embrace the ‘failed’ moments now. They hold the most honest images. I feel excited to take that spirit into the new year. I want to learn, teach, and share what I know. Sometimes, looking back at where you have been is the best way to grow.
I technically failed my 366 project. I did not capture a photo every single day. But honestly? That is okay. There is always next year. My resolution for this year is simple: I want to fail more. The more I fail, the closer I get to the heart of what matters. I love the exploration, the creation, and the magic of an unposed second.
Check out my lifestyle portfolio to see this philosophy in action. If you seek your own chicago documentary photography inspiration, I highly recommend the Museum of Contemporary Photography. It is right here in the city.
I am grateful for the lessons 2016 taught me. It was not the ‘perfect’ year I planned, but it helped me find my voice. Enjoy these childhood memories from my year of ‘failure.’
Cheers, friends!
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