Who Shot Ya

(Don't judge me) 

What's up everyone! So I probably haven't explained why I'm taking so many shot's of myself lately.  Yes, I'm a stylist and taking photo's is another way to express my creativity through visuals but the main reason I wanted to continue taking photo's is because I have a little fear that I needed to expose.

If you follow me on Facebook it's no surprise to you that I hate taking pictures! I think it stems from insecurity.  As a matter of fact, I know it stems from insecurity.  Listen, I've never been the popular guy growing up as a matter of fact I was bullied a lot as a young kid.  You can't really blame them but kids can be cruel.  I remember getting teased for the way I looked, talked and worst of all my difficult name to pronounce (Toye Adedipe).  I tried so hard to fit in at times but it seemed to never work.  No matter what I did, I was different.

Fast forward to a couple of years ago and I still  found myself ducking and dodging photo ops.  There were instances where I could be with a celebrity client, Paparazzi would take photo's or at an event with a red carpet and my whole mind space would take me back to elementary school and I'd shy away. This definitely wasn't the mindset I wanted to bring into my adult hood nor was it an example of the type of person I really am. So instead of letting fear or insecurity consume me, I started do the exact opposite of what I "didn't" like doing and started taking as many professional photo's as I could! (selfies included lol).

The result has been kinda cool because it's helped me come out of my shell and the wall I've built up so many years ago.. well.. I've noticed it's slowly starting to come down.  I'm doing more things that I thought I'd never do and embracing self is at the top of the list.  I don't suggest you necessarily have to go this route but finding something you lack confidence in and repeating it over and over and over again might help. It has for me. After a while you just get comfortable and you hear yourself saying "this aint so bad", "I got this".

I really didn't want to get on my soap box but maybe this is something that will help others along the way.  I'm going to do my best to continue uploading photos on my blog so check back often. (We're kicking "fear" in the teeth round' here) lol

-Toye*

(Hat: Target, Shirt: William Rast, Pants: Zara, Shoes: Mr Mellow Yellow)
photo credit: Royal Binion