I suppose looking back, English was one of my better subjects in school. I liked writing, I just didn’t like pencils that wouldn’t stay sharp… and I didn’t like the hand cramps (in the age before everything was written on a computer). But then I went on a life-changing adventure as a mission photographer with YWAM. Instead of writing email updates to everyone I knew…. I decided a blog might be a better way of communication to a group of people. It was during that trip and directly after that I truly realized how important transparency and honesty is in relationships. People need connection…. more than just connection, they need something to connect to. We all run around trying to be someone we’re not for appearances sake… but many times we forget that we’re all just human. “We’re all allowed to be scared of something,” says a very wise 6 year old named Nina. It’s true. And oftentimes we’re so caught up in the seemingly impossible task of becoming “successful”, and “making it” that we become lost in the “in between.” So when I blog about my life, or about the people I shoot… or about my cat…. I’m trying to fill the gap between who we are and who we want to be. Who am I? I’m Kate. I’m just a human. I like taking pictures. I love being a wedding photographer. Life is an adventure for me. I have so much to learn and I’m excited and frustrated at the same time about that. Who do I want to be? I want to be perfect in everything I do…. now. I want to move mountains. I want to experience the power of God face to face like Moses did.
This guy named Ron Ploof emailed me a week ago asking permission to use an image of mine for a blog post he was doing on Social Media. I was so appreciative that he asked permission and was flattered he wanted to use one of my images, I immediately said “Go for it!” I had no clue he’d be writing what he did about me and my business. I started to read the post yesterday morning and 3 sentences in, my head exploded, sirens blared, and “Does not compute. Does not compute” took over my brain waves. I have NEVER had someone publish something so cool about me and my business. NEVER. It took me a few seconds to regain composure and I continued to read about how this guy, a very popular and accomplished guy, perceives Kate Noelle.
After reading the article, I sat back, deep in thought, and my face slowly moved into a smile. It’s been a hard road and one of the most definitive adventures of my life starting my business…. and there have been more times than not that I’ve even had to answer the “why do I even bother blogging/twittering/facebooking” question for MYSELF. WHY? But Ron’s words were a big reminder of why it’s important… and his post is a huge affirmation that fighting to remain “me” in an industry and world that says I need to be someone else to succeed is exactly what has the potential to set me apart.
To read the full article, Click Here, or on the image below.
Ron… you rock.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Alfred Bertulfo, Kate Noelle. Kate Noelle said: This Article by @RonPloof rocked my world… http://tinyurl.com/2e2azll […]
You don’t know me, but Ron is a good friend and after I saw his post yesterday I wrote him a note basically screaming “hell yeah” for another great post from him.
As someone who advises some of the biggest brands in the world I now have another place to point to and say “see if SHE can do it, then so can you!”
Keep up the great work. The photographer in me loves your work. The sun setting guitar shots with the couple were awesome.
OH, KATE!!! If this isn’t confirmation of what you are doing, I don’t know what is. He got it to right!! It is so fun to read your blogs and get to know the people you shoot. It’s like making new friends. Praise God! Thanks for all your hard work and for the beautiful pictures and stories you share. hugs
He got is SO right.
Congrats Kate! What an amazing surprise. He’s right on too. There have been many times I’ve read one of your deeply personal blog posts wishing I had the courage to be just as open. I’m learning. You’ve figured it out though, it’s inspiring. Keep up the good work lady!
Of course, you are very welcome. But I need to thank you. In a world where executives are struggling to understand how social media can help their businesses, we need solid examples to help them see the way. As C.C. Chapman said, you have given us a great example to point them towards.
Keep up the great work!
Kate…he really captured the essence of your work with what he said. Not only are you a talented, but you have a BEAUTIFUL heart and you tell the story of your pictures so well. It was so fun reading his note about you.
P.S. That was me in the picture, how fun 🙂
Hi Kate! I just discovered your blog from the Kiss wedding album blog. I love your work! And I was super excited you mentioned YWAM. My husband and I are staffers with YWAM Orlando! One of my goals is to start up documentary schools and trips and use the photos to encourage others to go into missions and to pray for other people/nations. Anyway, I was super excited when you mentioned it, so I thought I would comment!
dang.
way to go! it’s all true. never met you in person but I feel like I know you better than any other photog ever (maybe minus bets 😉 ha).
keep doing what you’re doing and keep rocking my socks off.