This year so far has been amazing, I've been blessed with so many new clients and opportunities that my cup has runneth over. I've captured love stories, precious moments, milestones, and memories. I've made new friends and met a lot of great people. My work has grown and I've learned so much. Photography is something that I have admired, loved and obsessed over since I was a child. And even though it's cheesy to say; photography is my passion. I strive to be better with every shoot and to deliver something that can be cherished. I can't imagine my life without a camera and photographs.
With all this said, I do have to admit some things that have been weighing on my heart for awhile now. I am human, I'm only one person, I am a mom and a wife.I have learned that I cannot be a super mom. I give a big high five to all you super moms out there, because I don't know how you guys do it! I tried, I thought I could manage a house, a husband, kids, college, homeschooling and a business. Well, it all seemed like a good idea and I could do it--so I thought. I was wrong. It's easier to say than do. The business grew and I got busier and busier, I started to let my responsibilities go and let the business come first. I have ignored my kids and husband in order to get things accomplished with the business. I let their schooling fall behind and I have been a terrible housekeeper (I'm lucky that my husband hasn't fired me!). I let my passion come first, instead of my priorities.
One thing I want to say, and this is especially important to those who may be just starting out in this business is that you really need to sit down and think about how much time goes into owning/running a business. Now it may be slow at first but once you get your name out and you are getting more shoots/weddings, etc you really need to consider the time you will spend working. You have to consider the time it takes when shooting, transferring images, editing images, designing, uploading images to online galleries, corresponding with clients & new clients (emails, calls, etc), updating your social media sites, blogging (and if you've checked out my blog, you know I never have time to update!), book-keeping, ordering, and also travel time involved in running errands or going to shoots. There is so much more involved than getting out your camera and snapping photos. That is just the easy part of it. It's more than a full-time job--in my opinion.
If you are a photographer you probably understand this, but some of you may not know what it is like behind the scenes. Unfortunately the chain studios make "photography" seem simple. They take your photo, you look at it on a screen right after, you pick out what you want and then in a few days or weeks your prints arrive. Simple right? But how do they look? Did they remove a blemish or a wrinkle, what about that drop of drool from your babies chin, or maybe a bruise, or a piece of fuzz that was stuck to your clothing or a fly away hair. Nope, doubt it and if they did they charged you extra right? I care about the photographs I take. I spend time on them because I want to give my clients the best.
So if you are still reading this really long blog post, I want to announce that I will be making changes to Photo Essence. I am stepping back a little. I'm not going anywhere but my family needs me. With a new homeschool year approaching I will be limiting what I do with the business. I will only allow 3-5 sessions per month. Also, as for right now I will not be taking on any weddings for 2011-2012 except for the ones already booked. The decision wasn't easy, but it's what I need to do as a mom and a wife. My kids are growing, it's hard to believe they are now 5 & 6. They are only little once, and that's not something I can get back. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this post and for all your support!
with love,
Kristen
