So .. you want to be a photographer? I sure do. I want to make my living saving memories for people. I want people to realize that once that moment is gone.. it’s gone forever. I want a mom to see her baby’s blue eyes before they change to another color. I want all these wonderful things.. Mostly I want happy clients who are respectful and appreciative of what I do. In a real world, I would take photos every other day. I would have them all edited by sundown.. and my prints ordered and returned the next day. In a real world .. i would be a photographer rock star.. wearing designer clothes.. and whipping out that camera and lights.
HA…. In my world it’s a daily struggle to keep on keeping on. To let people find and see that value in what you do.. what you produce. To make income to pay bills. Yes .. I’m a business. So when I do things for free.. i know that clients will come back and hire me when they need photos, Right? wellll…. not always.
My Designer clothing choices are made by spalding and crocs…. and my camera costs more than the car I drive. I live with two doggies and a hubby… and i love them. I have photography students … and I love them too. Still, I need clients. I need an income… i need to feel like what i do has been recognized and respected and loved.
I have found that in this industry, there are very few rock stars.. A few are out there, and they fail to recognize that they started somewhere. I have found also that there is a caring group of professional photographers in my area who aren’t so worried about the competition, that they won’t refer a client to you. I have found that many parent’s of High School Seniors actually love and respect what I do.. and what I carry out with their teenager. I have found that it’s hard work. I have found that by really digging deep, I have become a pretty darn good photographer. My photos shine.. and some shine enough to win awards. Is that enough? well.. I think for now it is. Just a few musings of a grandma with a camera. Ta Ta for now.