Imagine if you could go back in time and write a letter to your younger self about all that’s to come in life and your future career, and how to be prepared for it. Here, Portrait master Sue Bryce did just that and we applaud her for her vulnerability and candor. Read on!

Dear 1989 Sue,

I know why you chose photography as your career: It’s exciting and fun, you’re 18, and you have the freedom to just walk towards joy and whatever lights you up. 

And even though you have no clear direction yet, that is also a gift because you have no expectations and no adult responsibilities that will hold you down and warn you to “be safe.” You also have no commitments or burdens (those will come), so for now, enjoy the journey, feel your way along the path and take time to explore all the areas of this industry, including printmaking, fine art, multimedia, awards and levels of accreditation and business.

Remember, stay laser-focused on what you want and do not let the fears and restrictions of others become your truth. Sadly, you won’t discover how to master this for about 20 more years. 

That’s why I’m writing this letter to you. Because I want you to know that you will be afraid, a lot! You will feel the weight of responsibility like never before. You will feel exposed, unsure, overinflated, deflated, weary and disappointed many times on your journey. You will also find freedom, self-power, accomplishment, your inner strength and resilience. But mostly, you will find yourself.

[Check out how portrait photographer Nick Fancher did it in “After a Year Off Social Media, I’m Back—Living an Uncurated Life”]

Focus on mastering your craft. Mastery takes certainty and conviction but it’s the consistency that will bring you to your true path. Nurture your confidence, both inner and physical. Find your true voice and hold your space—you have earned the right to stand in this room, and your gifts are to be shared. 

Learn the power of true service. This is not about you; this is about the person paying you. Stay present with them, make them the center of your attention, give a feeling of importance to people and they will line up to work with you. 

Learn about money. You don’t realize you are afraid of it because you don’t have any yet, and you have some blocks around receiving. Clear those as soon as you can. Business is an equal exchange. You provide a service of value, and people who value this craft and service will be drawn to you. Feel value in everything you do! Be valuable. Act valuable. Do not stop learning. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel; just keep growing and replenishing your joy for what you do every day.

You probably will not understand the significance of what you are doing and learning right now, but that is only because you are young and you are yet to have the life experiences that will help you understand the value of not only who you are but what you can give back to this world. I’m telling you now, girl, when you start to realize, or rather, cultivate it, you will find your way. 

You will need courage, yes, but what I really want you to know is that you do not need permission, you are enough and anything is possible if your soul is willing. 

With Love,
2020 Sue

P.S. Oh…and don’t get that tattoo! 

Sue Bryce Portrait Master 
Founder of Sue Bryce Education