What does it really mean to live as a creative, not just as a photographer but as a human being?

That is the question we dove into with Monika Frías on this week’s episode of the Say Cheese! podcast. Monika is known for her bold perspective, her ability to balance artistry with honesty, and for constantly questioning the “programming” that many photographers get trapped in.

This conversation is not just for photographers. It is for anyone who has ever felt like they are doing things the “right” way but not the authentic way.

The Problem With “Programming” in Creative Work

So many of us grew up with a formula:

• Study hard
• Pick a job
• Stick to it forever

For photographers, this often looks like:

• Book more weddings
• Deliver thousands of photos
• Keep grinding

As Monika shares, that path often leads to burnout. Real artistry comes when you start questioning the rules and finding your own rhythm. She calls it “skipping the programming” — breaking away from what you are told you should do and instead asking: what actually fuels me?

Why Freedom Fuels Creativity

Monika spent two months in Mexico with nothing more than her suitcase, her camera, and her computer. That season of minimalism made her realize how little we actually need in order to create. Freedom, not things, became the foundation of her art.

For her, creativity is like a muscle. The more you use it in different forms, the stronger it gets. When you let yourself explore, experiment, and even fail, your work grows in ways that perfection and over-planning can never give you.

Defining Yourself Beyond Photography

One of the most powerful parts of our talk was when Monika said: “That is not me, that is just my work. Hi, I’m Tina. Nice to meet you. I am a human.”

It is so easy to define yourself only as a photographer or by your achievements. But you are more than your bookings or your Instagram followers. You are also your music, your friends, your curiosity, your passions.

That mindset shift not only keeps you grounded but also makes your photography stronger. When you live fully, your art has more depth.

The Fear That Pushes You Forward

Monika loves the moment when you start something new and you do not know how it will go. That fear of not being enough or not having it all figured out is what pushes you to give more of yourself.

Instead of avoiding fear, she embraces it as a sign that she is still growing. For any photographer who feels stuck or on autopilot, this is a reminder that discomfort is often the beginning of your next breakthrough.

Why This Matters for Wedding Photographers

Weddings are often seen as a job where you just show up, follow the timeline, and deliver safe photos. Monika flips that idea upside down. For her, weddings are a place of freedom. They are a chance to work with light, to connect with people, and to create something unrepeatable.

If you are feeling trapped by expectations or by the weight of the industry, Monika’s perspective might be the permission you need to redefine success for yourself.

Listen to the Full Conversation

This episode of Say Cheese! is one of the most raw and refreshing talks we have ever had. Monika’s honesty is a gift and her reminder to choose freedom, question programming, and honor the human behind the camera is something every creative needs to hear.