When I first started working toward my Master of Photography degree from PPA, I wasn’t totally sure how it would go. I’d heard more than once that it was hard—maybe even impossible—to earn it using only newborn images.
But I love photographing newborns. That’s where I feel like me. So I stuck with it. I decided I’d rather reach this goal doing the kind of work I care deeply about, even if it took longer or felt harder. Every single image I submitted—even the cats cause they were newborn—was a newborn.
It took a while. There were wins and there were setbacks. Plenty of learning, and even more frustration. But over time, I built a body of work that felt true to who I am—and that was enough.
To anyone who’s been told your genre isn’t “competitive enough” or your work is too soft or simple for print competition: don’t listen. You can do this your way. You don’t have to change what you love to fit someone else’s version of what’s worthy.
I earned my Master of Photography with images that reflect what I love: newborns, and I’m proud of that. It wasn’t fast. It wasn’t easy. But it was absolutely worth it.
If you’re in the middle of your own creative path—keep going. Your voice matters. And yes, your work is enough.
(And in case you’re wondering, the cat image is still one of my favorites and most difficult to make.)
