Chapter 1: The Journey Begins

In September 2020, I stumbled upon the Daily Shot photo contests hosted by NatGeo Traveller. In this era of digital media, NatGeo’s captivating stories, blogs, and images can transport you to stunning locations, reminding us of the world's beauty.

I seized the opportunity to showcase my amateur photography for a chance to be featured on NatGeo's Instagram, which boasts over a million followers. I submitted a variety of photos—some edited, some untouched—for their contests.

For the inaugural theme, "Outside Inside," I submitted a photo that even made it to the shortlist. However, that was as far as I progressed. This process allowed me to reflect on a memorable trip to Carcassonne in 2016, where I enjoyed wine with my classmates from IESE, reminiscing about my time in Europe studying to become a Sommelier.

Months later, for the National Music Day theme, I submitted a photograph along with a write-up about a family trip to New Orleans in 2019. I vividly recalled the lively jazz bars, street musicians, and delicious beignets. I became so immersed in the nostalgia that I spent the entire weekend listening to jazz music. Despite my enthusiasm, my submission was rejected.

Next came the Black and White theme. Confident that I could excel this time, I submitted two photographs—one featuring the chandeliers at Grand Central Terminal and another showcasing the Manhattan skyline from Governor's Island. I believed these images would stand out amidst the competition, yet they too were turned down.

Disheartened by my inability to land a spot on NatGeo’s Instagram feed, I took a moment to reflect on my submissions. I began to consider:

1. Had I explored the profiles of photographers who were featured? What captured NatGeo’s attention in their work?
2. Was I focusing too heavily on the technical aspects of the photos and neglecting the accompanying narratives? After all, NatGeo thrives on storytelling, not just pretty pictures.
3. Was I evaluating my submissions from a user’s perspective or that of a seasoned photographer? It’s essential to remember that this competition encourages user-generated content, rather than aiming for professional-grade shots.
4. What was there to lose by continuing to submit my photos, even if it meant facing rejection multiple times?

Eventually, I submitted to the Iconic Markets Daily Shot contest, where I finally had my moment of recognition with a candid shot of St. George Street in St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S.

The takeaway from my experience is that you don’t need to be an expert to pursue your passions. You don’t have to be a seasoned professional to share your work. The same principle applies to writing. Consider your readers' perspectives—think about the issues you’re addressing, how you want them to feel, and what insights you can share from your experiences.

People connect with others, and it often takes several attempts to discover what resonates. Interestingly, I found more joy in crafting the accompanying text than in editing the photos themselves. And here I am today!

This video discusses how to overcome limiting beliefs by reprogramming your mind, which aligns well with my journey of self-discovery and expression.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Process

In my next attempt, I submitted another photograph but was met with yet another rejection.

This video covers methods to eliminate self-limiting beliefs and process emotions, providing valuable insights into overcoming challenges, much like my experience with NatGeo.