Rylie Daisha Mayfield is a young, talented marketing and nonprofit professional. A graduate of Indiana State University, Rylie studied business marketing, marketing management, and nonprofit leadership, obtaining her Bachelor of Science in May of 2020. By passion and trade, Rylie is a creative mind and storyteller. With experience in content creation, photography, art, and design, Rylie strives to help educate others on marketing to propel their brand shine.
"Picture Perfect" Takes Time
September 23, 2021
In our life, we are all striving for that "picture-perfect" fulfillment of our goals and dreams. So many of us see that picture in our minds, but may struggle to see the path. Or, perhaps, you see the path but have experienced some minor or even major detours along the way.
At this point in my career, I have been reflecting on myself and where I want to be in my life and career. Though this is a loaded question, I am working now to create that path that will guide me to my picture-perfect moment. Unironically, in this article, I am going to use my passion for photography to highlight this path.
My mission is to bring light to brands through my marketing career. In doing this, I always look for new ways to capture the light of brands and their people. However, this is a big mission, how does one single person capture the entire essence of a corporation? I believe innovation, creation, learning, evolving, and caring are the perfect mix to create a stable and growing marketing strategy.
Back in time to 2019, I was an intern at the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana and was not nearly as sound in my mission and values. This was a significant time for my growth and personal development.
When I was handed a camera at my internship, I was taken aback. Though it seems silly now, I was afraid. I remember thinking, "How do I even use this thing?" However, being resourceful, I did my research and learned more about the camera. I had a role to complete, so I could not waste time wondering how. I needed to learn.
To my surprise, I loved photography. I loved capturing moments and truly highlighting the energy of a room. Still, though I loved this hobby, I found myself frustrated that my skill was not on par with what I wanted.
I was fortunate enough to receive a Canon EOS camera from my parents as a 22nd birthday gift. They saw my passion for photography during my internship that summer and wanted to give a meaningful gift for my future career.
A portrait of Brandon Ravellette at Coxhall Farms in Carmel, Indiana. Photo taken by Rylie Daisha Mayfield, CNP.
Excited, I quickly started clicking pictures when I
could in my free time. To the left is one of my first sessions with a person. Brandon was a model subject, and I loved these images. However, I quickly began picking apart every flaw. I told myself I needed to work harder.
I kept practicing, and not just on people. I practiced on pets, landscapes, events, you name it! I found myself growing with every shoot, though I did not notice it at the time. The minor pose changes, the new angles, new lighting, began to work in tandem to capture the perfect moment.
Excited, I quickly started clicking pictures when I could in my free time. To the left is one of my first sessions with a person. Brandon was a model subject, and I loved these images. However, I quickly began picking apart every flaw. I told myself I needed to work harder.
I kept practicing, and not just on people. I practiced on pets, landscapes, events, you name it! I found myself growing with every shoot, though I did not notice it at the time. The minor pose changes, the new angles, new lighting, began to work in tandem to capture the perfect moment.
A portrait of Perci, a Patterdale Terrier. Photo taken by Rylie Daisha Mayfield, CNP.
A portrait of Kailyn Oppelt’s graduation photos at Indiana State University, in Terre Haute, Indiana. Photo taken by Rylie Daisha Mayfield, CNP.
A portrait of Devon Hill’s graduation photos at Indiana State University, in Terre Haute, Indiana. Photo taken by Rylie Daisha Mayfield, CNP.
A photo from Rogan Mayfield’s senior pictures in Linton, Indiana. Photo taken by Rylie Daisha Mayfield, CNP.
A photo Mocha, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, in Linton, Indiana. Photo taken by Rylie Daisha Mayfield, CNP.
A photo from Lexi Cottrell’s graduation party at WaterTower Estates Winery in Terre Haute, Indiana. Photo taken by Rylie Daisha Mayfield, CNP.
A photo from Mackenzie Steinsberger’s senior pictures in Linton, Indiana. Photo taken by Rylie Daisha Mayfield, CNP.
A photo from Fairbanks Park in Terre Haute, Indiana. Photo taken by Rylie Daisha Mayfield, CNP.
After looking through these images in my portfolio, I could not believe how far I have come from 2019 and the first time I picked up a camera. For reference, the last photo is the same person, my first subject for 2019.
I am super proud of the growth I have made, but I came to an even more important realization.
In the beginning, I found myself frustrated I was not "perfect" right away. I was very angry and frustrated with my growth process.
It was not until I stopped and truly thought about why I was trying so hard to grow that it dawned on me.
Finding my picture-perfect moment in my career, and even life, will take time.
Perfect is subjective to each person anyway, but I have found that as you grow, those "I wish I would have known that then" moments are necessary for growth and development.
I wanted to write this as a favor to myself, and a message to others. Remember to not get lost as you chase your picture-perfect moment. Those tedious and frustrating moments in your career add to your development and are all a part of your path to your moment. Don't sweat the detours, because detours do not mean you do not reach your destination.
In the end, your picture-perfect moment will come to fruition with your character development.
I believe I still have much growing and learning to do. In fact, I believe I always will! Regardless, this is my path and my picture-perfect moment will come.