It unofficially and unexpectedly started in November of 2010 when my friend, Laura, asked if I would take some photos of her 1 month old. She knew that I’d taken some photography classes earlier in the year and wondered if I’d try those new skills out. I was thrilled… and slightly terrified. My main subject had always been my little guy, Matthew, so photographing someone else– for real– was a big step. A month or two before, my college roommate, Lauren, had been in town to visit from Texas. “Why not start a photography business? You could totally do it,” she told me as we brainstormed ventures I could undertake to benefit my family. I scoffed at the idea, but I have to admit that the notion was planted. Laura’s session request a few weeks later only furthered it. Over the following months, there were times when I’d get discouraged and think that the business wasn’t a good idea. Every time, though, something– or someone– came along to encourage me. The funny thing is that this is how I know God is involved. I’m not an entrepreneur in spirit. Really. If you had asked me two years ago if I’d ever start a business, I probably would have laughed. I desperately needed the encouragement to get started, and those little nudges came at just the right time.
Fast-forward to 2011, where I slowly started talking to friends and family more about the idea. I launched this website in May and began officially scheduling sessions. I really didn’t know what to expect, but I started to get phone calls and emails from people inquiring about my availability. I have to admit– it kind of shocked me how quickly it all happened.
Business is a funny thing, and boy have I learned a lot since starting one! I don’t think I realized at the time that I would spend hours upon hours (upon hours) learning how to design a website. I don’t know who I thought would be doing it, but I quickly realized that owning a small business means wearing LOTS of hats. Here I am, several months later, and I have to say that I’m pretty proud of what I’ve accomplished and learned in a relatively short amount of time both business-wise and photography-wise. I feel like I’ve gotten into a groove and am really developing my style. 🙂
At the end of every session, I usually know what photo is going to be my favorite– it’s the one that made my heart skip a beat when I quickly checked my screen while shooting. Sometimes I can just sense it as I see a scene unfolding. Though my husband laughs a bit when I talk about ‘energy,’ sometimes I find it palpable. Some moments just have that little extra spark– that burst of energy that pulls you in. When I download the photos later, I practically beam with excitement because I can’t wait for the family to see THAT one. Here are some photos from this year (both from clients and my personal photos) that are favorites in my book:
.jpg "Family 1 web")
.jpg "Family 2 web")
.jpg "Family 3 web")
.jpg "Kids 1 web")
.jpg "Kids 2 web")
.jpg "Kids 3 web")
.jpg "Kids 4 web")
.jpg "Kids 5 web")
.jpg "Kids 6 web")
.jpg "Maternity 1 web")
My personal photos:
.jpg "Personal 1 web")
.jpg "Personal 2 web")
This has been a big year for me, and I know very well that I didn’t do it all alone. My husband, family, and friends really rallied around me and made this all possible. I am so thankful for the lovely people I’ve gotten to meet and photograph this year. Here’s hoping 2012 is full of both familiar and new faces. 🙂
