Rocks. They’re everywhere. Each consisting of different matters, densities, and textures. We as humans walk and even drive by thousands of rocks on a daily basis. It isn’t until we need one for skipping or other purposes that we actually pay attention to it’s physical characteristics.
Imagine if a rock had feelings. ...
Wow. Thank you for this post. Thank you.
It takes a confident person to dwell on others talents. Thank you Melissa. You are rare.
I NEEDED THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!
Melissa, you are so stinking sweet. You are seriously such a great person and I LOVE how well you wordsmith your thoughts. Moi!!! You always make me smile.
Melissa!! Love this post. You have so many talents and writing is certainly one of them.
It brings a sense of confidence to know that I’m not the only one out there that is comparing myself to others. Thanks for the little reminders, Melissa.
Surprising that you wouldn’t feel that writing about other photographers wouldn’t hurt your business. But I like it.
Great post, my friend. I think your words apply not just to photographers, but to creative people in general. Love it, love you!
I agree with Emily. I am “just a mom” but I completely related to this post. I consider myself a unique rock with gifts and talents that maybe no one else has. Sometimes it just takes a slap to the face to remind ourselves that others have worth and things they want to work on as well. Thanks Melissa. A million times, thanks.
You couldn’t have put it any more beautifully. You are a “rock”star for sure. Its funny, because we all feel it, but never say it.
thank you for your post! i too feel this way and am not scared of other photographers amazing talent. art is all different and inspiring in its own way. and i would want people to hire me because they are in love with my work and style… not because they have a lack of options. more power to ya girl.
You’re great! I look up to you and your work so much! Thank you for reminding this world of photographers that we all have our own unique style! I feel like I have almost found mine.
Wow Melissa! Beautifully written and thank you for mentioning me. I couldn’t agree with you more. Big hugs to you and keep smiling my friend!
Melissa, you have so many talents. I’m amazed at how you can arrange your thoughts into something so beautiful. You really are one of a kind. P.S. thanks for the nod.
So sweet Melissa! Thankyou! You are wonderful!
I lovvvve this, thanks so much for posting, it was beauty-ful. I am also a Treasure Valley photog, so this was deeply meaningful.
I really needed to hear this, thanks Melissa! I love seeing other photographers work in the area, and you’re super sweet to include me when I feel like I’m still learning and growing. You’re amazing!
I was just directed to your blog from a fellow photog. Love the message. And that you can appreciate all of our unique styles and talents. You have a fantastic attitude. I shall be back to visit soon.
What a great post. I think it is crazy that I have been shooting and networking long enough that I actually know several of these people you listed, know of several more of them and actually admire most of their work (the ones I don’t admire, it’s ’cause I probably don’t know them). I dream of shooting as well as you (or Laura, Audrey, Tiffany, Diana, Ashki pHotography). It would be my dream to make your list someday. Until then, I will keep at it, shaping my own rock and of course learning from amazing talent like yours!
Well I’m just starting into the photography world, but in an instant I had 50 new friends/mentors/fellow photogs in the area and I feel so blessed with people that have decided to “remove the mystery”, share their tips/locations, and encourage me as we encourage each other. I have realized their really never can be enough photographers. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m a competitive person. I want the edge. I want to be sought after in a big way, even bigger than anyone else. (Feelings which I have to reign in on a daily basis since being mommy is #1 and I have decided not to implement so many business ideas that swim around in my head constantly). But what I mean is, the world will never run out of unique, beautiful, wonderful people to shoot, locations that can take a new angle and a new perspective from countless photographers, events that can be captured through the eyes of endless photogs in endless ways. We’ll never run out! So to as many people that want to express art, I say, please do! And let’s all enjoy it and learn together! You, Melissa, always inspire me to have a “sharing” attitude when it comes to learning myself, and then helping others. I admire that trait you have and thank you. And on another very important note I send this out into the universe in your behalf: Morning Sickness go away! Come again another day! (Ick! Thinking of you. Hope it doesn’t last long.)
Very, very inspiring. I feel like there are more than enough families, weddings, babies and special moments for all photographers in this world.
I am new to photography and love your work. I know another photographer — well I don’t know her yet, but we have communicated via email — that is interviewing photogs and doing mini shoots of them in her area. check her out! http://www.amyrosekingphotography.com
Wonderful post. Thank you for sharing your wonderful insight and for reminding us all that we are in this together. It is so comforting to know that were I need assistance, I could call on several area photographers to help me out in a pinch. Looking forward to getting to know more of these amazing photographers!!!
He walked into the hospital room as a 16 year old boy, not knowing what was about to hit him. There on the bed lay a soulless, lifeless body. Death. As he approached the bedside, he was impressed to say his farewells. He reached out his hand, touched the cold, stiff...
13 comments
You. Are. Incredible.
How many photographers do you know that pump up other photographers work?!? This All About U thing is really cool, Melissa. Thanks for sharing.
What a fantastic photographer with a fantastic story written by a fantastic writer. Great stuff Melissa.
Film still exists??? haha. 
So awesome that he is so talented and thinks outside the box. Very inspirational. And I couldn’t agree more, we are all spirits inside our shells.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Duston, you’re an inspiration. And Melissa, get going on that book. You’ll be the next author of that best selling book. For real.
melissa…you’re killing me.
reading your words opened and had me revisit things that were very hard to swallow, but i am thankful.
you are a talent. you have a true gift.
i hope that you are intensely blessed as you continue to bless others just as you have blessed my life in this experience.
my best to you.
- duston
I love DT!!!
Duston Todd is one of the most creative photographers I’ve ever seen. He deserves all good praise and a lot of it. But he’s a good photographer, not because of the tools he uses, but because of his unique outlook on the world around him. Who cares what kind of camera he uses. If it was about the tools, then anyone with a Hasselblad could be as good as him, and that just ain’t going to happen. So it’s not about the camera, it’s about the person behind the camera. Good Lord, when will this debate end about which is better film or digital. Let us praise the artist, not the camera.
some of my fav images from him! the one from Opie is my fav i think
Wow. So inspiring! Thank you for doing this Melissa!
Melissa!
I felt like I just read the most amazing art exhibition review of all time. I was captivated by your writing, so much so that Duston’s image suddenly became more amazing than before. I just got chills.
[...] my interview (written) with fellow photog and a new found friend, Melissa Niu: read the interview Melissa nailed it. deep in my heart. i know the above text in this post has been light-hearted and [...]
[...] this project has deeply affected me and has become one of the most personal things i have ever experienced through my own art. if you haven’t had a chance, and would like to gain more insight to the story behind the project….then read this article (written by the incredibly talented Melissa Niu): click here to read article [...]
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