Podcast Ep 393 - The Decision That Changed Everything: Karley’s Journey Begins
From Hiding to Showing Up: A Photographer’s Journey Into Visibility
There’s a moment many creatives reach where the talent is there, the passion is undeniable—but the confidence to be seen still lags behind.
This conversation captures that exact moment.
Karley is a pet and equine photographer who’s been building her business for about three years. Like many creatives, she’s invested heavily in her growth—education, retreats, portfolio building—without yet seeing the income reflect that effort. But despite still being “in the red,” her belief in what she’s building is unshakeable.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe it.”
And that belief is what makes this story so powerful.
Growth Before the Income
Karley's photography journey accelerated when she surrounded herself with people who showed her what was possible. Attending an equine photography retreat expanded her vision, but a trip to Spain photographing dogs and horses changed everything.
What started as a focus on equine photography turned into a deep love for dog photography—especially once she experienced placing dogs in cinematic, story-rich environments.
“After that trip, I was like—oh. I’m a dog photographer now.”
The growth wasn’t just technical. Being around successful, generous creatives helped her see herself differently—not as someone “trying” to build a business, but as someone who could.
The Visibility Problem (or So She Thought)
Karley describes herself as a “world-class hider.”
Social media feels intimidating. Visibility feels uncomfortable. Putting her face, name, and voice out there feels risky. So when a Visibility Workshop appeared, it triggered both fear and recognition.
“That scared me—and that’s exactly why I knew I needed it.”
Instead of waiting for a “better time,” she chose to act—despite already feeling stretched financially and emotionally. Because she recognized something crucial: later rarely comes.
A Surprising Realization
What’s fascinating is that while Karley believed visibility was her biggest issue, her behavior told a different story.
She showed up on live calls.
She spoke openly.
She asked for coaching—even in rooms with hundreds of people.
So what was really going on?
Through coaching, a deeper pattern emerged:Karley wasn’t afraid of being seen—she was afraid of being seen as a beginner.
“I don’t want people to see the early work. I want them to see the finished version.”
That fear is incredibly common among creatives. The desire to skip the messy middle. To hide the reps. To avoid judgment during the learning phase.
But as the conversation unfolded, something clicked.
You don’t become an expert without being visible as a beginner.
The Power of Saying It Out Loud
One ofKarley's biggest breakthroughs came from something deceptively simple: saying what she does.
She started telling people she’s a pet and equine photographer—especially when meeting dog and horse owners. And almost immediately, opportunities appeared.
“She said, ‘I’ve been looking for a photographer.’ And I realized—it really can be that simple.”
Not magic. Just presence.
Visibility as a Practice, Not a Personality Trait
Perhaps the most powerful reframe in this conversation is this:
What if hiding isn’t who you are?
What if it’s just a habit built during a beginner phase that no longer applies?
Visibility doesn’t require confidence first. Confidence follows action.
Just like photography.
Just like learning any skill.
Just like business.
You don’t wait until you’re ready.
You get ready by doing.
What Comes Next
This episode marks the beginning of an ongoing journey.Karley didn’t come on the podcast to talk about success after the fact—she came on while still in the middle.
And that’s the point.
Over the next months, this series will follow her growth, mindset shifts, and business evolution in real time. Not polished. Not perfected. Just real.
Because transformation doesn’t start when you arrive.
It starts when you decide to stop hiding.
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