So the last two years around the Holidays I was scrambling and shooting under priced family sessions to try to make ends meet with business.    All my mentor photographer pals always told me to only shoot what I want to book more of.   But I couldn’t wrap my brain around this when it was the Holiday season and business was booming.   Business was busy, but not booming in the right direction.    Well this year brought a new confidence and a new direction and I FINALLY LISTENED.

It is kinda funny, but it hit me when I was shooting our recent October Styled Shoot.   My heart was so happy, creative juices flowing, and it all peaked when I was shooting portraits…. I loved all of it… the details, the bride and groom, it was all epic…. but while I was shooting portraits I had this thought about how different this felt compared to last year shooting family pictures for holiday cards.    I got home and realized… duh….  organize another event for December, do what you LOVE, and make ends meet that way.   Fear stopped me before, and shooting pictures for all my friends and their friends was “comfortable.”  But I’m not scared to take risks anymore.   Even if no one shows up or registers….It won’t fail because I will be doing what I love, which will hopefully just bring more business doing what I love.

Yes I knew this all along because people were telling me….but confidence comes with experience, and I guess everything had to run its course….  I’m so thankful for the journey, for all of it.   I’m grateful for the scrambling, and the working my butt off for a penny, it all brought me to where I am now.   All the craziness is part of the growth.    So make sure you listen to your mentors, but also listen to your heart, trust your instincts….  it all comes together.

I’m grateful I finally listened.

A huge thank you to all of the photographers who have taken the time to teach others, spread knowledge, and spread kindness…. some I know in person, some I just read blogs, but I’m so grateful the industry has these gems <3

You can read about my December Styled Shoot here.   I can’t believe I’m even typing this but there are only THREE seats left.