Meet Galya Smith

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Galya Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Galya below.

Galya, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from a combination of my upbringing, personal experiences, and intentional habits. Growing up, my family instilled in me a growth mindset and encouraged me to take risks, view failures as learning opportunities, and develop problem-solving skills. Throughout my life, I’ve faced various challenges and setbacks, but I’ve learned to reframe them as chances to grow, adapt, and become stronger.

I also prioritize self-care, nurture supportive relationships, and engage in activities that bring me joy and fulfillment. Additionally, I’ve developed coping mechanisms like mindfulness, gratitude practices, and positive self-talk to help me navigate difficult times.

Overall, my resilience comes from a mix of nature (my innate personality and upbringing) and nurture (my intentional habits and experiences).

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a photographer, I have the privilege of capturing life’s precious moments and beauty through my lens. I specialize in portrait, landscape, and sports photography, and I’m passionate about telling stories through my images.

What I find most exciting about photography is the ability to freeze time and preserve memories for my clients. Whether it’s a milestone event, a breathtaking sunset, or a triumphant sports moment, I love being able to capture the essence of the moment and convey the emotions and feelings of the people involved.

My brand, GalyasmithphotographyLLC , is built on a passion for creativity, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service. I strive to create images that are not only visually stunning but also meaningful and personal to my clients. I believe that photography is an art form that should be accessible to everyone, and I’m committed to making the photography experience enjoyable, relaxed, and fun.

As for what’s new, I’m excited to announce the launch of my new portrait studio, where I’ll be offering personalized photography sessions for individuals, families, and pets! I’ve also recently expanded my services to include drone photography, allowing me to capture unique and breathtaking aerial perspectives.

Upcoming events include a photography workshop series, where I’ll be sharing my expertise and teaching others about the art of photography. Additionally, I’ll be partnering with local businesses to offer exclusive photography packages and promotions, so stay tuned for those!

Ultimately, my goal is to create images that inspire, uplift, and bring joy to those who experience them. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do what I love every day, and I look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of photography and storytelling.

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?

Reflecting on my journey, I’d identify the following three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge as most impactful:

1. *Creativity*: Developing my creative vision and skills has been crucial in capturing unique perspectives and telling compelling stories through my photography.

Advice: Experiment with different techniques, styles, and mediums to discover your creative voice. Practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things.

1. *Attention to detail*: Paying close attention to lighting, composition, and subject interaction has helped me deliver high-quality images that meet my clients’ expectations.

Advice: Develop a keen eye for detail by studying the work of others, practicing mindfulness, and being present in the moment. Take your time to review and refine your work.

1. *Empathy and connection*: Building rapport with clients, understanding their needs, and capturing their emotions has been essential in creating meaningful and personalized photographs.

Advice: Cultivate empathy by actively listening, asking open-ended questions, and seeking to understand different perspectives. Practice building connections with people from diverse backgrounds and industries.

For those early in their journey, I recommend:

– Embracing lifelong learning and continuous skill-building
– Seeking feedback from mentors, peers, and clients
– Staying curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences
– Focusing on developing a strong foundation in your craft
– Building a supportive community and network

Remember, growth is a continuous process. Stay committed, persistent, and patient, and you’ll see progress and improvement over time.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

As a photographer, I’ve experienced my fair share of overwhelming moments, whether it’s managing multiple projects, meeting tight deadlines, or dealing with creative blocks. Here’s what I do when I feel overwhelmed:

1. _Take a step back_: I give myself permission to pause, breathe, and reassess the situation.

2. _Prioritize_: I make a list, identify the most critical tasks, and focus on one thing at a time.

3. _Break it down_: I divide larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks to regain control.

4. _Seek inspiration_: I explore others’ work, read, or take a walk to stimulate my creativity.

5. _Connect with others_: I reach out to fellow photographers, mentors, or friends for support and guidance.

6. _Practice self-care_: I ensure I’m getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy food to maintain my energy and focus.

7. _Re-evaluate commitments_: I learn to say “no” to non-essential tasks and delegate when possible.

Advice and strategies:

– Set realistic goals and deadlines
– Establish a routine and stick to it
– Stay organized and declutter your workspace
– Take breaks and allow time for relaxation
– Seek accountability and support from peers or mentors
– Focus on progress, not perfection
– Practice mindfulness and meditation to calm your mind

Remember, feeling overwhelmed is normal. By acknowledging your emotions, taking small steps, and seeking support, you can regain control and find your creative flow again.

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