We live in a world where standing out can feel risky, sometimes for good reason. From a young age, blending in with others can feel like the only way to survive during the school years, at work, or even within our family or friendship circles. We are often told to “tone it down,” “be realistic,” or “not make a fuss.” While these words may come from a place of care, they can plant a dangerous seed: the belief that we must hide the very things that make us who we are. We are invited to be average, which is an absolutely harmful choice if you have a business, for example.
But here’s the truth: your light - your personality, your energy, your unique way of being - is not too much. It is exactly what the world needs, both in front of the camera and in everyday life. The reality is that you are not likeable to everyone anyway, which becomes liberating when you finally accept it. Out there, you have your tribe.
“Don’t trade your authenticity for approval”
Embrace Your Authenticity
When you embrace your true self, you naturally radiate confidence because you are not faking anything, you know exactly where you stand. Think of Barack Obama: regardless of your political views, it’s undeniable that his charisma draws the whole room into his vibe. That glow is born from self-acceptance.
In portrait photography, when a client lets go of self-consciousness and allows themselves to simply be, that’s when the magic happens. That’s when I start capturing their natural expressions, the ones that truly represent them.
Dimming your light, on the other hand, flattens your personality. It strips away the magic that makes you memorable, leaving only a shadow of who you truly are.
© Leticia Gaidon Bradford Photography
Celebrate Your Uniqueness
Every person has a distinct light that cannot be duplicated. Maybe it’s your laugh, your natural sense of humour, your bold fashion choices, or your quiet, calming presence. These details are treasures. You already have a personal brand.
Your differences are your strength. If you naturally stand out in your group of friends and happen to be an entrepreneur, showing this to others is pure gold, you already have the makings of a magnetic personal brand.
That said, you don’t have to be an extrovert to be memorable. A person who speaks calmly, makes thoughtful pauses, and reflects deeply can be just as captivating.
Protect Your Mental Health
Hiding your light to fit in can be exhausting. It can lead to dissatisfaction, anxiety, and a disconnect from your true self, not to mention attracting the wrong people into your life.
Sometimes, the price of growth and authenticity is leaving behind people and places that pull us down. That’s okay. Their mental blocks and refusal to shine are theirs, not yours. Don’t take on other people’s vision or circumstances to make them happy by dimming your own light.
“Stop yourself from stopping yourself ”
Challenge the Norms
Society has endless opinions, and they’re all different. It hands out beauty standards, behaviour expectations, and a long list of “shoulds” and “should nots.” But these rules and opinions are often built on fear, bias, or outdated ideals. I value freedom, and I don’t follow dogmas, my photography reflects that.
For example, in my images, people aren’t always smiling. I break that rule. Those who don’t feel like smiling all the time will connect with my style. My boudoir photography is not about portraying women as submissive sexual objects, but as strong, confident, sensual women who do the photo session for themselves, not to be liked by others. I believe that people over 40 should be portrayed in an elegant and sexy way, even with poses traditionally expected from someone younger. We’ve simply aged, we are not dead inside!
© Leticia Gaidon Bradford Photography
Be the Inspiration
When you choose to shine brightly, you give others silent permission to do the same. You become proof that authenticity is not only acceptable but admirable. Your courage can spark courage in others.
In portraits, this is contagious. One confident client inspires the next, and soon more people are showing up as themselves, or exploring sides of their personality they had never shown before. In life, the ripple effect is even greater.
So, don’t dim your light to fit in, avoid judgement, or meet someone else’s expectations. Be bold. Be visible. Be unapologetically you. Don’t be a zebra!
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Thank you for reading.
Bye for now.