I am going to start things with this adorable picture of my dog, because why not?
I am so happy you are taking the time to look through my website & read my blog. If you don't know me, I am not much of a writer but hey why not give it a shot. My entries are usually filled with beautiful photos of my oh so gorgeous clients BUT I wanted to add something different to the blog today. I had the day off today from my full-time job so of course my brain is 100% thinking about building my business. I came to love photography at the early age of 15 and that passion & love has continued to build over the years.
Photography was never a business or a way to make money at that time but as I got older I decided to take the leap and open my own photography business. I started offering complimentary sessions to friends & family so I could practice, learn, and grow. I built my portfolio and began offering sessions to actual clients. WOW...there really isn't a better feeling then clients calling & emailing ask for me to take their family photos. Me....why me?? I have gone through most of my life never believing in myself---friends and family would always reassure me that I was great, but I would never believe them. As the years went on I pretty much would eat, sleep, and breathe photography.....I knew this was my calling. I shot weddings, engagements, newborns, families, senior sessions, boudoir, children, etc...I did it all.
I was at a point in my life where I was finally able to fully commit to my business full-time. I did it.....oh my I was actually there--literally every photographers dream! I was finally living my dream but I was also my worst nightmare. My marriage was falling apart--how could I be so happy but also so sad at the same time. I was in a situation where I had to make the biggest decision in my life.....could I give up my photography business so I could focus on me? As hard it was at the time...quitting was the best option--I needed to be happy.
I left my ex-husband and needed to find a full-time job where I could rely on a bi-weekly pay check. I went back to the company I worked for. Things were falling into place--during a time where I would expect things to come crashing down. I met an amazing man and had a job I didn't mind. I worked my way up the corporate ladder and was promoted to resort manager---things were amazing and I believe this is where I was meant to be. I worked countless hours & came home in pain everyday from the physical labor of the job. I wanted to prove to this company that I was worth so much---now thinking back I have no idea why I did that. I worked & worked with every bit of my soul.....for what? This wasn't benefiting me, I wasn't getting anything out of it.
As time went on I grabbed my camera out every so often and took pictures of my four beautiful dogs. I captured gorgeous images of my sweet girl Lucy who had then passed away. I remember sitting in my living room and I would constantly look at this gorgeous photo of her that I have displayed on a canvas. It hit me at that point & time.....why am I not working for myself? The time & energy I was giving to this company was not doing it for me. I began offering sessions on the side....I was slowly getting back into the swing of things.
Sean & I made the decision that I needed to leave my job as resort manager. I found a job with less hours & commitment.....I made it a priority to find my happiness. I started offering more & more sessions as I finally have the time to do what I love again. I have been watching webinars on my favorite photographers---the obsession & passion had ignited......and I couldn't be happier.
My goal is to run my business full-time 1 year from now---and I will do whatever it takes for that to happen. I finally believe in myself and the success of my business. I found my style & I only shoot what makes me happy. <3
What are you passionate about? I would love to hear from you!
I have a small favor to ask...please tell your friends & family about me. I would be honored to capture beautiful memories that will last a lifetime <3