Dear Self,
Let's start off by saying that you are doing exactly as you should be for this moment in your life.
There are days when we all question ourselves. Whether it be second guessing your outfit choice or your career path. Today is one of those days for me. To be one hundred percent honest with you all, I question myself often if Photography is the path for me. Just like there will be with anything, even corporate jobs, sometimes you feel as though you aren't moving forward fast enough. Wait...There it is again...PRESSURE. We put so much pressure on ourselves in today's world to be the best, the most successful in the field and to do it quickly!Â
Anything, especially in this industry is going to take time. Almost everyone you meet will claim to be a professional. Everyone will own a "nice" camera and have some sort of editing program on their computers. People are even using their phones to create mesmerizing images. There are millions of people in this world and you are fighting to stand out amongst them. It is this way in any field, constantly striving to be better and have something unique to offer. The trick is to always KNOW that you are doing your best, you are always learning new things to better your business, and you are making your clients feel like a million bucks when they have an experience with you.
You can't waste time on worrying about the "what ifs". What if they don't think my photos are good? What if IÂ didn't give them the perfect 'Pinterest' look? What if they can find someone cheaper? What if they think I charge to much? STOP! You have to KNOW YOUR WORTH. That is the bottom line. That will be the difference between success and failure. If you aren't confident in your work, no one else will be.
Your business will only be as good as you believe it to be. IÂ can promise you that even on the hard days when you are questioning if it is worth it, if you'll ever reach those sky high goals you have set for yourself, just keep working and it will happen for you! Be loving, compassionate, and a friend towards your clients. Always keep a smile on your face and a warm heart and people will keep booking, they will keep buying, and they will keep talking. The experience people have with you will be the best tool in growing your business.Â
Photography has always been a passion of mine and it will continue to be. Nothing makes me more happy than seeing the look on a woman's face when I have boosted her confidence with my images. The joy on a mother's face when I have delivered beautiful photos of their children to hold onto as they grow and look back on. The expression on a teenage boy's face when he realizes pictures really aren't that bad! Making sessions fun for the kids so that they don't feel like it is a chore to have photos taken. And of course, the joy of getting to meet all of you beautiful people, hear your stories, and create friendships that will last a lifetime.
So, dear self, you are enough. You will reach those goals. You are making a difference. And you will not give up.