The Challenge of Staying True

Reflections on Change

Jan 24, 2025

Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

Change is a constant—in life, in business, and in creativity. Yet one of the greatest challenges is staying true to your original passion and vision while navigating the evolution that change demands.

As someone who loves photography, I’ve found immense joy in using images to enhance my writing and website. But photography isn’t my primary focus, and sourcing high-quality images can be time-consuming and expensive. That’s where Unsplash comes in—a treasure chest of creativity that has become indispensable to my work.

Unsplash: A Cornucopia of Creativity

Unsplash is an open-source photography community where anyone can share high-resolution photos that are free for everyone to use. A simple yet revolutionary concept; Mikael Cho, Unsplash’s founder, once wrote, “We didn’t start Unsplash to reinvent an industry. We started Unsplash because we thought it might be useful.” And useful it is—not just for people like me, who rely on its vast library to find the perfect image for a post, but also for photographers who want their work to reach a wider audience.

I’ve been using Unsplash for years as a source of inspiration and practicality. While crediting photographers isn’t required, it’s appreciated, and I make a point to do so. The platform has been a game-changer for small businesses like mine, offering access to quality visuals that otherwise might be out of reach.

The Impact of Free

However, Unsplash’s success hasn’t been without controversy. While its open-access model has democratized photography, it’s also drawn criticism. Some photographers feel their work is undervalued when distributed for free, and the platform has been accused of disrupting the traditional stock photography market.

This tension—between generosity and perceived devaluation—raises important questions about reciprocity. Free doesn’t always feel reciprocal, and the absence of financial exchange can leave creators wondering whether their contributions are appreciated. As a user of Unsplash, I’m deeply grateful for the generosity of the photographers who share their work, and I strive to honour that gift by using their images thoughtfully and responsibly.

A Personal Turning Point

When we launched the first Evolve retreat in Greece, we relied on Unsplash for promotional materials because we didn’t have photos of our own. It was a lifesaver. But as our events grew, it felt disingenuous to continue using stock photos. So, we invested in a local professional photographer, Elena Kipriotis, whose images truly captured the spirit of our retreat. That decision marked a turning point for me, highlighting the importance of authenticity and the value of supporting creative professionals.

Growth with Integrity

As Unsplash evolves, the challenge is to maintain its original ethos while adapting to new realities. In 2021, the platform was acquired by Getty Images, raising questions about how it will balance community values with corporate growth.

The razors’ edge for Unsplash lies in navigating this tension—fostering a culture of kindness, consideration, and reciprocity while resisting the old paradigm of growth for growth’s sake. How Unsplash evolves will undoubtedly shape its future impact, but I hope it holds true to its roots as a pioneer of open-source photography.

Staying True to Passion and Vision

I deeply admire people and companies that change the way we do business—not by mimicking traditional models, but by creating from a place of passion and purpose. Staying connected to your true north in a world of constant change is no small feat. It’s a challenge I work on with entrepreneurs and change-makers, helping them master and direct the evolution of their businesses while remaining true to their vision.

In Unsplash, I see both inspiration and caution—a reminder of what’s possible when creativity and generosity come together, and of the responsibility we all share to honour the work of others. Change is inevitable, but staying true? That’s the real challenge.