I am confident in my ability as a photographer to capture your special moments on digital and film.
Can we be real for a minute? I am going to pose 2 questions for you regarding this statement:
1. Can you honestly say you feel this way at this moment in time?
2. How long did it take you to feel that you were "making it" and grow the confidence to feel this way?
Me? It really took me a very long time to feel this way, let alone state it to others around me.
__________
When I first stepped out to do my own thing, I had no confidence in myself, let alone what I was producing with my camera. I was scared. I had no idea where I was headed. I was scared to "tell people what to do" in front of the camera.
I was afraid they would hate their images. I was afraid to charge for sessions because I didn't think I was "worth it."
I was afraid to move forward. I didn't know what was ahead of me.
__________
It took so many years for me to change this mindset, and to really figure out where I needed to start. Because you know being a photographer isn't easy. You have to prove you've got skills. You have to prove that you are the best. It's fucking hard y'all.
It took a long time to reach where I am now. To move from "faking it" to "making it." I had to change that mindset because I've got classical training on it. I have skills. I am the best at what I do, and you should pay me for it.
So where am I now?
I am "making it."
It may have taken me 9 years to get here, but I am so proud of where I am. Over the past 9-10 years, I have taken on so many sessions. I have improved my skills and gained so much confidence in myself and my work. I have learned to stand up for myself, my work, and what I believe it. I have learned how to direct my clients in a professional manner and to pose them in flattering ways.
I learned that I AM WORTH IT. I am worth what I charge because I have worked for a very long time perfecting it. And the last thing I learned was to put myself out there, make ALL the friends, and build a hell of a support system, because without them this side passion would crumble.
All that? That is what the journey is all about. That is how we grow and learn about ourselves, and how to continue on path of life.
So here's to the unexpected. Here's to the growth. Here is to Me.