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John DeMato Blog

Welcome to the Deliver Magic blog, where experts who speak, coach, train, consult, and write books will find actionable insights to elevate their personal brands through visual storytelling. From strategy tips and branding photography to live event coverage and storytelling techniques, discover step-by-step guides designed to help you align what you say with how you show up in photos. Get ready to unlock the magic behind creating a cohesive visual identity that drives engagement, builds credibility, and inspires your audience. #DeliverMagic

Letting go...

 

When I first dove into the photography business, my apartment doubled as my studio.

This space, no matter how limited, was where I cut my teeth, snapping headshots and an array of portraits against a backdrop of various colored set papers.

These rolls were my canvas, filling the space with potential and creativity. It also made me feel like I was a professional despite my lack of experience.

For years, they were essential tools, contributing significantly to the aesthetic of the photos that were created.

However, what once represented endless possibilities became a needless pain in the ass to work around in my office. After all, I don’t shoot in my place anymore, so why take up so much space with them?

The realization dawned on me: it was time for a change. The process of selling all the set papers in one go was both liberating and nostalgic.

Loading those rolls into the buyer's jeep was a poignant moment, marking an end of an era.

I felt an unexpected hint of nostalgia, a farewell to something that meant so much to my work at one point in time.

This experience reminded me of a valuable lesson about growth and evolution.

What was once indispensable can ultimately become a relic of the past, a reminder of my journey rather than a tool for the future.

It's a curious thing, letting go. It may feel odd to release what has served us well, but it's an essential step in the process.

As we grow, our needs, perspectives, and the tools that serve us best also evolve.

Holding onto the past, clinging to what once was, can hinder our progress and potential for new experiences.

This process isn't just about physical decluttering but about making room for new growth, ideas, and opportunities that align with who we are becoming, not who we once were.

What tool or aspect of your past, once deemed indispensable, is now waiting its turn to be acknowledged and released?