Photography Update

I wanted to write an official photography update right here where it all started. I posted my very first photos right here about a year ago and just recently set up my business. From the moment that I held my first DSLR camera I was hooked. I didn't even understand the f stops but I was determined to learn and so I did! I wanted to know all of the ins and outs! I read, I took a class, studied, practiced, you get the idea. I'm no expert but I sure am trying. Now, here I am with my own business. Anyone can start a business, right? Paying the money to set up the LLC has been the easiest part. Now I have to track every little thing in excel spreadsheets and other software. Talk about work. Logging gas mileage is not my favorite thing to do. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it appeared to be easier then it really is. Don't get me wrong. I believe 100% that I've found my passion and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to pursue my dream. I can't help but feel a little competition, pressure, and motivation to make it happen. I have had a few people e-mail me and tell me that I've inspired them to follow their dream of pursuing photography. It really brings me great joy to hear that but at the same time it makes me wonder if I'm giving off the impression that it's easy. It's not! I'm my own secretary, appointment booker, expense reporter, driver, photographer, editor, blogger, etc. I spend about 30 minutes booking each session (e-mailing back and fourth and creating an invoice), an average of 30 minutes traveling to each session, 1-2 hours shooting on location, at least 3 hours editing each individual session and then 1 hour watermarking and uploading photos to networking sites and an online gallery. That's about 7.5 hours of work per session and doesn't count any admin and excel spreadsheet tracking. With time, I'm confident that these things will become more streamlined. My workflow is already starting to pick up but that should give you a basic idea of what goes into just one session. Man on man! Running my very own business is a huge responsibility! This past year has been a year of discovery and learning. I feel like I've been locked in the batting cages practicing and I'm finally ready to step up to the plate and hit the ball right out of the park. I recently booked my first wedding! This is HUGE! It's happening a little faster then I had originally visualized but I'm calling it a blessing. I am planning and preparing the best way I know how. This past weekend I caught myself asking another photographer at the camera store for advice. Thankfully some of them are happy to give out their secrets! I hope this will be my first of many many weddings to come. I can't wait to share and document one of the biggest days in someone else's life. I'm also thankful that I found someone that is willing to take a chance on me and that trusts me. I know this is kind of a random update but now you know some of the thoughts that are going on inside of my head. If you're out there reading this and you're in the Dallas area (btw: we are no longer moving to Gulfport, MS), book a session with me today! Don't wait until Christmas! :) Here are just a few photos from my recent sessions.    

Isn't she going to make a beautiful bride? July can't get here fast enough!