Daily Inspiration: Meet Genevieve Ma’yet

Hi Genevieve, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My photography journey started relatively recently as a result of the forced isolation of 2020. During the pandemic, I would go to a local lake (when I lived in Dallas) to watch the sunrise. I then began taking videos on my cell phone to share with my students which quickly turned into wanting to take photographs.

With the help of my friend Amy, I purchased my first DSLR and zoom lens. Well, it grew quickly from capturing sunrises to local wildlife to hiking to long road trips to starting a business, too, I guess here and now.

However, my love for the type of photography I shoot continues to evolve. I began solely as a wildlife photographer, then landscape, and now I find myself drawn to urban settings, but only in the early hours before sunrise. This is reflected in my recent series called Urban Slumber, where I actively shoot from 3-7 am nearly daily.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing about this journey has been smooth or easy and the upfront costs of photography are staggering. On more than one occasion I have questioned my life choices. With Photography (the path I chose), you require equipment, some used, but still expensive. Then there is a website, if you want to sell online, equipment for art shows, marketing, and so on.

The hardest part for me is getting overwhelmed by the facets of taking photographs. Trying to choose a lens; following or not following the rule of thirds; wondering what is the rule of thirds; how do I compose a photo; what is my signature photographic style; and so on.

That being said, I am happy I made the leap to follow where my passion leads. Through my lens, I have captured the Milky Way Galaxy, black bears, Big Bend National Park, the top of Hunt’s Mesa outside Monument Valley, the endangered Island Fox, and so many other moments.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Personally, I seek adventure and I am unafraid to take most risks. I (the day before my birthday last year) nearly died on the trail going after a shot.

It is my commitment to freezing everyday moments that are often overlooked. Whether it is waiting for a Giraffe to stick out its tongue, standing inches away from a passing train, laying down in the middle of the street, hiking in a blizzard, or waking up at 3am to capture a sleeping city.

What I am most proud of is my intrinsic and insatiable thirst for knowledge. Over time I have learned to see change as change, not negative or positive, just change.  That mindset has helped me to embrace what life has to offer and go with the flow.

What do you think about luck?
Luck, huh, not sure I really believe in the stuff nor do I give it much thought. I firmly believe that hard work will beat talent 100% of the time.

I may not have the skills, background, or gear as many other photographers, but what I do possess is a growth mindset that firmly believes that through hard work and dedication, there is nothing I cannot do or accomplish.

So, that is what I do, work hard every day, make new mistakes, laugh a lot, and steadily move forward.

It is my firm belief in myself and the understanding that people’s objective opinions will never determine my reality.