Hi there, I’m Gracie and I’m a photographer.

Yes indeed, I’m a photographer. It’s a term I could call myself in private, but I didn’t feel comfortable saying it out loud. Why? I’m not sure. Was I embarrassed? In a way. I felt like an imposter, calling myself a photographer when all I had was a basic Nikon and a dream. I didn’t F E E L like a photographer. I didn’t have it all together, so I didn’t feel right calling myself a photographer.

We all have labels, and I knew “photographer” was just another hat I wore. I was comfortable with every other label I had. I’m a daughter, sister, friend and a journalist. Why couldn’t I add “photographer” to the list too?

I had to learn about my craft in order to be comfortable with the label. You don’t have to learn how to be a daughter, or a sister, but you don’t just become a photographer overnight. It’s a process made up of absorbing both technical knowledge and life experience.

After working toward being a photographer for so long, I knew I should have been able to simply say it, that I’m a photographer. Over time, I’ve gotten better at saying it.

I’ve grown, and I’ve learned so many new things. The images I produce now make me proud that I created them. There’s nothing like it.

It’s a special feeling to know that you’re using your God-given talents for something good. That major fact helped me realize I could say it out loud, like I’ve wanted to all along.

Like one of my mentors says, it’s all about ripping the band aid off. So here it goes.

Hi, my name is Gracie Byrne…and I’m a photographer.