In photography, a watermark by definition is a visible embedded overlay on a digital photo consisting of text, a logo, or a copyright notice.

In my life, watermarks have been people that have pushed me, inspired me, encouraged me, cheered me on, or spoke a word or two that left an impact on who I am today.

I went on a girls’ weekend recently and one of the things we decided to do was write each friend a personal letter saying anything that we wanted to tell that friend.  Each letter that I received was so encouraging that I was brought to tears.  Each friend thanked me for something that I did or something that I brought to their lives that I never had a clue mattered.  Ironically, I thanked each friend for what I’ve learned from them and how they have impacted my life as well.

While I was driving home from that weekend, I thought about many of the people that have made an impact since I first began pursuing photography as a hobby and then as a business a short while later.  For some, I’ve had the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and for some I think they understand my appreciation but probably have no idea that what they said was exactly the right thing at the right time that kept me from throwing in the towel.

This series will be a spotlight of 20 posts dedicated to family, friends, peers, groups of people, or businesses that have helped me on this journey whether they realize it or not!  Stay tuned as I share a public thank you each day to these people that have left “Watermarks on My Soul”!

(Photo Credit: Katelyn James)