Leap o’ faith

I fell in love with photography in middle school. I was always the one with the camera snapping away. I didn’t know what I was doing back then and I am not sure if I know what I am doing nowadays, but the fact of the matter is: I am still in love with photography and probably more passionate than I was before.

Photography is like a science. A science that includes mathematics. TWO OF MY WORST & LEAST FAV. SUBJECTS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have never taken a photography class in my life and pretty much point and ‘click’. When my BFF, Cheryl, and I decided to start taking photos for families etc. I did not in any way, shape or form anticipate that to this day I would still be taking pictures for people. I am completely and utterly humbled with people’s kind words and referrals.

Even though I don’t know the thorough ins & outs of photography, I am still learning and want to learn more. What I do know is that I don’t need to be up on my math/science when it comes to meeting clients and snapping images of them. Families who are in love, couples who are in love. I LOVE LOVE!!! And I love that I am able to capture those moments of love.

I have always wondered what it would be like to take photography a little bit more seriously. Recently, things have been busy with teaching and shoots. It kind of got to the point where I thought ‘This is getting to be too much.” And then I started turning down clients because of time constraints. I hated saying “No, sorry” because essentially the clients I’ve met have spread the word for me and that’s basically how the referrals starting coming in. I’m still humbled by that!!!!!!

I am not a risk taker. I never have been. I like stability in my life, I mean who doesn’t, right? Well, with much contemplation & support I decided to take a risk.  I am now teaching P/T and my afternoons will be dedicated to anything photo or promotional related. It was not the easiest decision to make, especially since this is the busiest time of year at work right now. However, I made it! I may regret it at some point, but I made it.

It wasn’t easy to do (like I mentioned above…but that is a whole other entry in itself), but the support I’ve had from family and friends has been phenomenal!!!!! This is a SHOUT OUT TO YOU GUYS! You know who you are ;-) I am extremely blessed to have these people in my life. Their words of encouragement are what pushed me to take that leap.  THANK YOU!!

I read a lot and had a lot of conversations with a lot of people and here are some things that continue to stick in my head and make me smile:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail
...away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.” -- Mark Twain

“Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.” – James Bryant Conant

“Things happen for a reason. Sometimes you’re not going to like that reason, but things happen for a reason.” – JR

“Passion, passion, passion is what life needs.  You have to chase down passion, and date his younger sister.” – JB

For everyone else; your hugs, your smiles and your congratulatory remarks will be with me always!

So like I said I am going to go down to part time and hopefully this will allow me to take on a heavier workload (fingers crossed) and free up my nights and weekends a little bit more, so I can spend more time with the two loves of my life…instead of locking myself up in the office!

Recently, I’ve been thinking “What the H did I just do?? OMG”, but today I came across this article. It made me feel better :)
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Believing in yourself might very well need to be your very first step.  If you have the courage to take that first step you will never regret it.

For the rest of you who find yourself in the same place I found myself not too long ago I have a few words for you.

You are ready. You are educated. You are prepared. You have worked hard to get to where you are today. Because your phone is not ringing off the hook does not mean your prices are too high or your art not good enough. Be patient. It takes time. And, in the meantime when you do book that client be grateful. Treat them like family. You will get referrals. And, the snowball will only grow larger.

When you find yourself working more than you intended learn to say no even more. Be selective. Take care of you. Take care of your family. Don’t lose site of why you went into owning your business in the first place. It wasn’t to be a slave to everyone else. It was to have flexibility in your schedule. Keep it that way.

When you find yourself in a rut, take a step back and think through why you fell in love with photography in the first place. Take a break from looking at other artists’ blogs and sites and focus only on your own work. Visit your site as if you were viewing it for the very first time. Get out and take pictures for yourself. Take breaks. Give yourself weekends when you don’t even check email. Not even on your phone. Focus on those around you. It won’t take long before your head is clear again and you are creating work that comes easy, genuinely, and from the heart.

With every step you take be confident, remain humble and do not apologize for any decisions you make for yourself or your business. As soon as you let others dictate your life you will hate what you do. Don’t let it happen. Be kind, be bold, trust your instincts and be you. Then, enjoy a fulfilling career doing something you are passionate about, making money that not only pays the bills, but also gives you a bit extra to take that vacation you’ve always wanted to go on.

You are working your dream job. Congratulations!

--Jessica (guest blogger on Jodi Friedman’s MCP action site)

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Phew!!!! Thanks so much for letting me share :)

DO what you love! Find your passion. If I can do it, anyone can!!!