When I recently shared on social media (especially Facebook) that the latest National Geographic Traveller Photography Magazine was out, I didn’t take an adequate step back to fully reflect on what had just transpired. I was certainly grateful. Working as a professional travel photographer (a black African woman to boot!) can be challenging within such a tough industry.
In a nutshell, the photography magazine app took readers behind the scenes of my West Sweden assignment which was featured in a 9-page spread of the October 2016 print issue of NGT UK itself. They also shared a Q&A interview with me as well as showed some previously unpublished photos.
Not only that, one of my photos from Grebbestad was the cover image with my name written across the cover too!
But the exact moment that made it all really sink in was when I got their regular email newsletter which I subscribe to and saw my name and image in there. Some of my friends said I should print it out and frame it because it also has my name on it. I laughed it aside, trying to minimize its emotional impact, after all I can barely stomach narcissism (not to be confused with healthy self-love) even in microscopic doses.
But when I told my husband what they said, his response?
Why not?
And as you guys know, that question “Why not?” has been the driving mantra behind my work as an African travel writer and photographer. Even though I often contribute to the brand, I needed to step back and truly appreciate just how far I’ve come.
We’re all racing down various paths in life and while it is human nature to get derailed by looking at someone else’s path in a world that is constantly going for superficial quick wins over resilience, it’s always gratifying to see the culmination of hard work manifested this way.
And I certainly hope this is just the first of many more Nat Geo brand covers to come as I have shown over the years that every single work I create, I do it with unbridled passion, regardless of who is or who isn’t watching.
So yes, I will print it out.
As you should? Lola, this is HUGE! Sorry I missed it on the newsstands, but a huge congrats to you, girl!
Thanks so much Kristin! This was all on the UK side, not US.
Absolutely! You cannot underestimate how far you’ve come not only as a woman, a person of colour, but as a professional! Just how many photographers can boast that they have not only their photographs, but their name on the cover of the National Geopgraphic? I’m guessing very, very few.
So enjoy the glory and frame it for posterity, your children, your family, and most importantly, for yourself. xx
Thank you so much Victoria! Your inspiring words so much. There are definitely several layers to this and I’m super grateful to be able to live this calling.
I’m so inspired by you. My dream, too, is to be a published travel writer/photographer. Thanks for widening the gap and lending your expertise!
Thanks so much Elisia!
So well deserved and not with out hard work. You keep impressing with great work.
Thank you so much Daniela!
Congratulations Lola! And yes why not indeed, there is no reason to stop once in awhile and smell the roses of accomplishment. So very exciting to have watched your career develop over these last several years. A wonderful journey with you, thank you.
Thank you Monica for being such a wonderful generous source of support! Thank you and I hope we can meet in real life soon.
Thank you Lola, that would be a wonderful moment to meet face to face. Looking forward to that moment!