5 Ways I Got Outside My Comfort Zone In 2023 - ISSUE 63

Reflecting on the moments where I took a chance and embraced the unknown

What it looks when you think about exiting the comfort zone.

Housekeeping

Welcome to December! Tbh I am such a grinch and Xmas makes me gag but since becoming a mum I have tried to park the ‘tude and embrace the festive season. Here’s to trying.

Speaking of embracing, this weeks issue is all about embracing the opportunities that put you out of your usual space and work the muscle of resilience that gets activated when you are embarking on new, exciting, and likely very anxiety inducing, things.

Let’s get straight into it this week cause I am a busy gal trying to meet some deadlines but I am super committed to the Love Lucy community and would never miss an issue. Mwah.

5 Things I Did This Year That Kind Of Scared The Shit Out Of Me…

Shot a Wedding Party

Okay so obviously wedding party isn’t like WEDDING DAY level of anxiety but it was still a party where people were expecting me to capture special moments and celebration.

Because I clearly hate myself and don’t care about my sanity, I choose to shoot this all on film, of course. Luckily it turned out great and even though I had no time to prepare for the cake cutting shot and it happened so fast, and the flash on my rebel G was struggling to recharge it’s juices and keep up, I got 2-3 really beautiful and fun moments of Mr. and Mrs. anonyms.

All in all this was a fab experience because I got a taste of what shooting weddings would be like and how to approach a crowded environment, which isn’t normally my jam. It also gave me empathy for people in this industry. It’s quite difficult to be at the event and not be this “awkward camera person” but also socialize so you don’t have weirdo vibes… but then also not miss shots or seem like a slacker??? In true Lucy form my inner dialogue was going mental with all these thoughts and how to balance things to both, get great shots, but also be a pleasant guest.

In short, it was a juggle and a whole different kettle of fish to what I normally do as a photographer and I think that is so valuable and important.

What did you shoot this year that was wildly out of character? If the answer is nothing, well this is your sign to put something on the list for 2024!

I Hosted My First Ever Workshop!

I was approached by HOTA (Home of the Arts) here on the Gold Coast to deliver a two hour workshop for high school students with an interest in visual arts for their MOTION program.

The other artists involved were all amazing and I was so stoked to be asked to join in the line up. Hands down this was the most nervous I was all year because I have NEVER spoken in front of people as an artist before….okay on the internet I have but I can ensure you that IRL vibes are totally different, and with a bunch of teens too!

I was honestly shaking and the first 30 minutes was pretty sweaty and hellish but once we got into the practical part, which was a fun ‘Make your own zine” activity, things got way more chill and the conversation really flowed.

One of the students had a digicam so I was so excited and I enjoyed chatting about what they all gravitate towards as young adults in 2023.

It felt so rewarding and totally different to the slightly more removed feeling the experience of sharing things online has. I highly recommend seeking out these type of opps in your local area, or why not just start up a little photo walk or intro to 35mm film class or something! Charge $10, make it accessible and then see if you like it and what you learn doing it!

Missy & Harry of tapas bar Cantina who I chatted with earlier this year for Frankie’s Strictly Business section.

Pitched To One Of My Favorite Magazines

Okay so if you have been reading for a while or you follow me on IG you will have heard me talk about Frankie magazine before. This mag was a staple when I was a teen and beyond and it was the gateway to lots of cool things.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would even speak to a Frankie team member, let alone be interviewing amazing people and businesses for their online blog and EDM. The 15 year old in me is so impressed.

I pitched in 2022 and didn’t hear back till Jan 2023 and I honestly didn’t think I had a chance as they receive such high volumes of submissions. I’m telling you that not to brag, but to light the fire in you to submit your work, writing, videos, photos, ANYTHING and just go for it! You really never know and now more than ever people are needing content and creative people to get on board and do fun things.

You can read a few of my Frankie interviews here.

I am Organizing a Group Exhibition!

So I’m not sure it’s good to have something on a list of things you have done if you haven’t actually done it yet but what the hell…

I’m organizing a group exhibition to celebrate the new location of my friends shop, The Sensory Boutique, who I do a lot of content for.

Having the chance to bring artists together and curate a theme is so much fun and I am currently in the process of putting it all together. My good friends at We Sell Prints will be helping with printing my images and using fine art cotton rag paper. You can check them out here if you are local and wanting any printing done they are honestly the BEST!

I have been in a couple of group shows myself but never organized anything from scratch like this so I’m really excited to see it all come together and of course I will share some reels on IG of the opening night!

Photographed an Advert For Print!

This is HUGE for me! I love magazines and while everyone else complains about how they are full of adverts I am busy pouring of them and coming up with my own ideas for how they could be directed and shot.

Never did I think I would receive a phone call asking me to photograph something specifically for print and I am now bragging yes, because I am just so excited!

I can’t unfortunately give anymore info on this and it will be a few months till I can but I do feel like was a wonderful way to end the year and I am truly grateful to have been in the mind of this brand.

Last Thoughts

In life we tend to keep ourselves small for fear of rejection and failure, we cocoon ourselves in what feels familiar and risk free. This behavior doesn’t help us grow or reach, not only our goals, but our full potential as artists. Whilst it’s not all about being recognized it does feel good to even have one person tell you that your work means something or that they resonate with it, which is why I think it is so important to put yourself out there.

Activity Time

If you are wanting to really go the extra mile here and not just let this be something you read and think…”Hmm great idea Lucy” but then never action, why not make your own list of 5 things you did this year to get out of your comfort zone and reflect on them.

If your list is a little sparce then maybe make a new list with 5 intentions for 2024 that will get you feeling uncomfy, in a good way.

I love to hear from you guys so comment or DM me on IG, tag me on your stories if you make the list, and let me know if I can help in any way too!

If you like this kind of getting-ready-for-the-new-year-to-smash-all-your-goals-vibe and you would like an in depth convo about how you can make it happen or get over some of those blocks then book yourself in for a 90 minute 1:1 session with me! December is currently full but I am now booking slots for January which is the perfect time to show up for yourself and let me lend an ear, an eye and help you get clear on your path moving forward.

See you in the next issue. Love Lucy xx