Today on episode 475, I'm talking with Photographer and Writer Colleen Miniuk. Colleen has recently finished her adventure memoir, “So Said the River.” Her first appearance on the show was in Oct 23 on episode 239. Show Notes Beyond Hurricane Helene: Fuel Goods' Journey to Reconnect and Rebuild Together We Rise T-Shirts How to Stand Out as a Photographer by Being YOU Hey . . .  🎣 Hook: Think successful photography is all about mastering the technical side? Think again!    The Old Way vs. The Right Way For too long, photographers have been caught up in the technical side of the craft—perfect lighting, flawless settings, the latest gear. But guess what? That’s not what makes photos memorable. So often, photographers chase after “iconic” scenes they’ve seen before, trying to replicate what’s already out there. This approach can leave you frustrated, exhausted, and unfulfilled because… You lose the uniqueness of your voice — it gets buried under what everyone else is doing. Your photos start to feel flat—sure, they’re technically “perfect,” but something’s missing. The creative joy fades as you chase perfection over authentic expression. Colleen and I get it, though. It’s easy to feel like you’re just one in a crowd. You may even feel like your voice doesn’t matter because of all the “rules” out there. Why This Episode Is Just for You In this episode, Colleen opens up about her journey from technical perfectionist to true artist. And her number-one piece of advice? “Be you.” Dive into what it means to find your voice and create work that feels truly personal and fulfilling. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll learn: How to see the world through your unique lens – Learn why chasing iconic shots actually limits you, and how to break free from the pressure to fit into a “photographer” mold. Creating meaning over meeting expectations – Colleen shares how she discovered her true purpose by following her own values instead of traditional definitions of “success.” Letting go of “perfect” – Tips on shifting from technical perfectionism to creating work that’s truly resonant and meaningful for you. Why Being You Works Better When you create from your own experiences and unique perspective, you: Connect deeply with your audience—People can tell when work is personal and authentic. Feel more fulfilled—Every shot becomes a story, not just a technical exercise. Stand out naturally—Your work is distinct because it’s you. No one else has your story or your way of seeing the world. Last Thought to Take With You The world has plenty of perfectly captured, “ideal” shots. What it needs is your unique vision. Start embracing the weird, wild, and wonderful perspectives you bring—because that’s what will truly set you apart. Collen Miniuk Photography and Writing  Colleen Photo Workshops Books Galleries Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast  Facebook   Twitter   Instagram Love the show? Subscribe,  rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter  HERE I’d love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here:  [email protected]