We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Desiree Steele. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Desiree below.
Hi Desiree, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I had no choice but to be resilient and to recognize that life was going to be tough at a very early age. Acknowledging the setbacks were inevitable, choosing how I responded each time I was knocked down was up to me and no one else. I have always found the power to make a conscious decision and to gather my strength, get back up, and keep moving forward.
Life’s hardships may not always be kind, but it has been through these very trials and tribulations that I have found opportunities for growth and learning who I am. Each adversity becomes an opportunity and stepping stone for self-discovery and transformation, shaping me into a stronger mind, body, and spirit.
Resiliency is not about avoiding difficult situations or pretending they don’t exist; rather, it is knowing they are going to happen but also knowing they will end and then there will be new ones. Stretching us into the good kind humans we should be.
Life will either make you bitter or better. I will always choose to be better.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a traveling photographer, I have a unique opportunity to capture the beauty of the world through my lens. My passion for exploring back roads and back porches helped launch my business in 2023 “Backroads & Backporches, LLC” which catapulted me into uncovering more hidden gems and capturing the essence of everyday life and how everything begins on the backroads.
One of the most exciting aspects of my job is the thrill of discovering new places and meeting new people along the way. Whether it’s stumbling upon a charming little town off the beaten path or striking up a conversation with a local, it’s always an adventure and opportunity to see things and feel things you have never seen or felt before.
I go where the locals go but you have to talk to the locals to find those places. Stranger danger is not in my scope of work. I love meeting new people. I see what I see and then edit according to how I feel. Sometimes bright and cheery, sometimes moody and dark.
My love for the outdoors, the habit of noticing and slowing down to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. By immersing myself in nature and embracing the tranquility of a backporch, I hope to create images that evoke a sense of peace, nostalgia, and connection for all.
But it’s not just about the photographs. Through my photos, videos, books, and unique one-of-a-kind, artist-inspired merchandise, I hope one day to invite others to join me on this journey. For you to share your stories that make people laugh out loud, feel deeply, and inspire them to go on their road trips or savor quiet moments on their backporches.
My work is not just about me capturing images; it’s about creating an experience. Whether it’s through my words, visuals, or merchandise, I strive to transport people to those backroads and back porches where they can find solace, inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for life’s simple joys and the habit of noticing.
You can find my work on my website at www.backroadsandbackporches.com also March 16, 2024, I will be a featured photographer at the Texas Photography Festival in Georgetown, TX, or art shows on the road.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three words come to mind when thinking about what has been the most impactful and kept me moving forward. Curiosity, approachability and perspective. At an early age, I loved to explore the outdoors and played for hours upon hours on my back porch or my grandparents’ porch. I was known for never having shoes on and to this day I will pull off my shoes and walk around barefoot. As I got older, the outdoors is what calmed me. I love exploring trails slowly and not in a hurry. Being left behind and someone coming to find me is not out of the ordinary.
I also have a fascination with strangers. I think everyone has a story to tell and I want to hear it. I am not scared of people, but I am careful. I like to make people feel comfortable and get them to open up. Even the shy ones have something interesting to say. I enjoy the challenge of breaking the ice.
When taking a photo, I move around a lot I will do anything to get the shot that I have in my mind. I will climb trees, cross rivers, lie on the ground or stop on the road. I have a vision of how I want the photo to look and then I edit it according to my mood.
In conclusion, I want to share three books that have influenced me as a person and as a photographer. The first one is “The Nature Fix” by Florence Williams. It explains how nature can improve our health and happiness from a scientific perspective. The second one is “The Habit of Noticing” by Darden Smith. It teaches me how to pay attention to the details and use all my senses. The third one is “Greenlights” by Matthew McConnaughey. It inspires me to dig deeper into my own thoughts and to pursue more out of life. Not more things, but more experiences. I want to see more, meet more and live more.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to take a step back and give yourself some time to breathe. One of the best ways to do this is by finding a quiet spot, whether it’s on your backporch or somewhere else that brings you peace, and just taking a moment to be still.
During this time, try to focus on your breathing and let go of any tension or stress that you may be carrying. It can also be helpful to engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading a book, listening to music, or going for a walk in nature.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member who can offer support and guidance. Sometimes just talking about what’s on your mind can provide a fresh perspective and help alleviate some of the overwhelming emotions.
Keep moving forward, it’s important to prioritize self-care and set realistic goals for yourself. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and celebrate each small victory along the way. Remember that progress is progress, no matter how small.
Lastly, don’t forget to give yourself grace. We all have moments of being overwhelmed, and it’s important to be kind to yourself during these times. Take things one step at a time and remember that you are capable of overcoming any challenge that comes your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.backroadsandbackporches.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backroadsandbackporches/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backroadsandbackporches
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-steele-a727442a/
Image Credits
All photos are taken by me or by my property.
