Tonhya Kae Photography / Wedding & Lifestyle photographer based in Seattle, WA. » Tonhya Kae Photography / Wedding & Lifestyle photographer based in Seattle, WA.

JOSH ELLIOTT - right on! I was just struggling with this after a recent 0 for 3 client meeting run. The truth is, everyone needs to stop saying how “awesome” they are on social media and just be content. I never post when I have client meetings and/or book a wedding. It’s not important and not necessary… especially to those who ARE NOT booking any clients or have any inquiries. Right there with ya Tonhya.

Amber - Thank you for sharing your convictions & heart. This strikes a chord with me as well as it can be tough to be content with what we have and not a “grass is greener” mind set when the world can be so loud at times. But, God is at work in you and through you – I can see it now and I’m excited to see where He takes you down the road.

Emily Wenzel - Tonhya, you are so good at saying what I feel. I saw this quote the other day too and it struck me. Too often I compare myself to other photographers, other friends, other people. Too often I find myself thinking if I’d done things differently… or If I only had XYZ… The best advice I was given recently was to give up social media, pinterest, blogs, etc and reach back down inside myself and find my truth. My essence. I think that might be the way to go for Lent. A media fast. T, you are amazing and awesome and speak words I couldn’t dream of stringing together coherently. Thank you for your honesty & venting

Rachel Clarke - I REALLY needed this. I just announced my new website last night and the past week (but especially today) I’ve been thinking, “But it’s not showit, so it’s not that good. But I can’t afford showit, so it’s the best I can do! …but other people’s websites are gorgeous. But other people are better photographers. But you can’t afford showit anyways because you’ve been saving for a lens for 2.5 years and are still a ways from getting it. But you’re probably not going to make it in this anyways. There are too many photographers now…and even if YOUR town needs a good one, there’s still excess of camera toting so-called artists.” Ugh. But, but but. GOD HAS A PLAN. Comparing ourselves to others will hinder. How are we as Christians supposed to be confident when we are doubting ourselves, and even Him in us? Keep up your work, Tonhya. You have major fans! (like me, ha. )

Sorry this comment is so darn long…I just got a little carried away being in the same “boat” as you, as far as emotions go.

Atalie - I love your honesty, and I absolutely love this. I struggle with this as well in regards to my married friends. Yes almost all of my friends and I are at different places in life, but that does not keep me from wanting to be someplace in life I am not, or getting a tad down on myself when I see my friends 3 story house and all the decorating she is doing and all the money she gets to spend on crafts and pottery barn. It’s silly and selfish really. I totally understand what you mean though. I feel stupid for even thinking what I do after writing it out, haha. Girl you are so talented. I am sure its crazy hard not to compare yourself with others. But the beauty of your photography is that its done by YOU and no one else! You took those gorgeous pictures of my husband and family and friends and I! No one else did. You are super talented, and God is using you in amazing ways! Love ya girl!

charlene - Hey Tonhya, I’m one of your secret blog stalkers who never comments but just hides in the shadows. But I just wanted to thank you for this post. I wrote a similar one on my blog just a few weeks ago but I’m also just a new and emerging photography who TOTALLY looks up to your work and imagines that one day I’ll be half as good as you. Its so interesting for me to hear someone I really admire say that they have the same trouble with comparing themselves to others as I do. I’m not sure if this is all coming out in a coherent way, but for whatever its worth I just wanted to say that I think your work is incredible and I can sense your inner beauty through your blog posts! And your friend is right, its all about God and it all belongs to Him…and He’s who we are supposed to honor and glorify in everything! From the outside looking in, I’d say that you’re doing a darn good job of using the talents He gave you! And, thanks so much for being so transparent – it helps us newer photogs more than you know!