Panic at the thought of doing a thing is a challenge to do it. ~Henry S. Haskins
I’m going to lay it all out on the line today. Okay? Here goes.
I have put some serious thought into becoming a professional photographer. You know, go out and do the only thing I have loved consistently for more than 3 weeks (besides my family, of course).
That was the main reason Ken bought me a new camera for Christmas – the other small part of it was that he was probably tired of hearing me complain about my old camera. (So sorry, hon)
I feel like I’ve really grown as a photographer in the past couple of years, and I want to pursue it even further. It’s my passion. I could easily do it everyday.
And frankly, I think Emma is a little tired of me taking her picture all the stinkin’ time!
But if I sit long enough and think hard enough, my palms start sweating. My heart starts beating faster. I feel like I might puke. And then I decide to just forget it and wait until all the really good photographers have retired.
So when this quote came across my email box, it was like a sign. I have been praying about it, so maybe it’s my sign from God? Or maybe it’s just the quote that was randomly chosen to come into my inbox.
Either way, there it is in black and white.
Panic at the thought of doing a thing is a challenge to do it. ~Henry S. Haskins
Am I going to really do this? Am I going to give myself the ultimate challenge and start asking people to let me take their pictures? Am I going to have to invest in the motherload of Secret deodorant?
I don’t know, yet.
I guess you were all probably thinking I’d say “heck yeah! let’s do this!” at the end of this post with a nice “yeee-ha!” for effect. But I’m still fighting back the quease. Hands are still sweating. A high-pitched sound is ringing in my ears.
Okay, I’m starting to think maybe this isn’t panic but something worse.
Anyway, I’m putting it out there. I know some of you are totally supportive. And I know some of you have told me that being a professional photographer would be the stupidest thing I could ever do.
And there’s a (huge) part of me that is wondering if I’m really good enough to put people’s memories in my hands. I don’t know that, either. I’d like to think that the people who have already asked me to take their photos aren’t just blowing sunshine.
I guess I’m trying to wrap this up with a nice pretty bow, but I don’t really know how to end it. My brain is still talking, because whenever I think about going pro, I get hit in the face with about 3,791 different thoughts. Maybe I’ll put them all down here someday. Or maybe I’ll just up and announce that I’m in business! Or maybe I’ll go lie down for a while and hope I’m not dying.
If I do, please serve brownies at my funeral.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh honey, you would be FABULOUS! Are you good enough? I would pay you to take my family’s pictures!! Seriously! I am amazed at what I have seen just in the past couple of months that people pay good money for … and like. I’m thinking, “Huh? Are you serious?? You paid for that??!!” I just saw some friend’s photos the other day and I was amazed at the mediocrity! Sorry … didn’t mean to be critical there.
I just took the plunge myself back in October. I recently wrote a blog post about how I can’t believe I am actually doing this. It’s so not like me, but I love every stinkin’ thing about it, which is so bizarre because normally I hate things like accounting and marketing and such. And it has gone well for me (so far … this is, from what I understand and I hope it’s true, the down season).
Keep us posted on what you decide to do and if you decide to go for it I’ll be one of your first clients! :)
Love the picture of the brownie and the brownies by the way :)
Heather´s last blog ..Project 365 … day 2
i would pay you to take my family photos! i love all your photos! you are very creative!
Beverly´s last blog ..Sinus
I love you. And, HELL YES.
I find it hard to believe you’re NOT a professional! I think you could do it, but take your time. Maybe if you think about it more and more, you’ll get less and less queasy about it. And if needed, I’ll bring brownies!
Saj´s last blog ..You Capture: 2009 in pictures
I was raised with the words, ringing in my ear, “anything worth doing won’t be easy”
what kind of a person would you be if you thought that you were ready, if you had no doubts or reservations. what kind of a person would you be if you didn’t start to sweat at the thought of changing your life like this.
are you good enough? YES, without any hesitation I KNOW that you will kick some major butt… that you WILL succeed. you are an amazing talent and you are humble about it, that is the best combination :) God blesses a humble heart and you most definitely have been blessed.
I think that the quote is definitely something God put in your path… and I think you are wise to keep it in prayer, but if and when you do make the decision, I think you can rest easy knowing that a lot of people are praying and believing you will shine ;)
Johnna LaFaith´s last blog ..fairies : one
I feel the exact same way. 100%. I’ve decided to postpone any ideas of a photography business until the Fall, when both my kids are in school full time. Then I’m sure I can come up with another excuse by then not to :)
Jess´s last blog ..No Snow for us
I know a number of professional photographers started out doing a few photo shoots for friends before going “pro”. I’m not sure if you’ve already done this step, but doing a few photos shoots with some friends as sort of a “test” run and having them go well might help build your confidence. :)
Kel…take baby steps! I was going to say just what Jennifer said: do some shoots for your friends kids for free {just for practise with other people’s kids}. Or throw out an offer at your church for, like $20 photo shoots. You’ll get your feet wet, see if you even like taking pictures of people you don’t love, and {if you decide that yes, you absolutely love it} then you’ve built a big list of contacts who will come back to you and who you can use for referrals and such. Baby steps. You know that you want this…just start thinking about the best way to get it!
Maegan´s last blog ..Just an FYI…
Kehi… seriously funny! I agree with Henry. You MUST do it! What’s the worst that can happen… you might fail, though I doubt it, but so what? You will NEVER know if you don’t TRY it! I agree with Maegan… baby steps. Love her ideas! Go for it!
Keli, I think you would be fabulous at it! There is something singular about your photography – it is more than just capturing a moment, it is a work of art. A photo session with you would be a gift any family would treasure forever. I could see how it would be intimidating to get started, for anyone, but I think God has given you a gift that He means for you to use. He will tell you how to get started if you ask Him. Keep us updated!
Casey´s last blog ..New Lorienna Critter
Just do it! Best advice I could give you because I was just like you when I started out over a year ago! When I shot my first wedding, I thought I was going to puke from the shear panic of it all! In the end, that is still my favorite wedding that I have shot to date!
Start with baby steps! Offer to take photos of friends and their families. Do a few freebies to build your portfolio! It works and before long the word of mouth advertising will have people at your door ready for their closeup! LOL!
BTW, my daughter got tired of me being in her face with the camera all the time too!!
Jo´s last blog ..Life Upsidedown!
Well i just say take it slow…No need to jump with both feet in first. Take one shoot at a time. You will know soon enough if its something you want to do full time or not. Once i started shooting for others I realized i only wanted to get better and bigger. It has not changed and I wish it was happening faster for me. Thats how i know this is something that i would like to make full time, I really don’t think I would tire of it. Although when I get busy I do take less pics of my own kids and sometimes refuse to bring my camera to places like school. :)
You already are a professional now start getting paid for it! But remember you are in control of the outcome, thats the glorious thing!
Good luck!
Jodie´s last blog ..Hap Hap Happy New Year!
I wish we lived closer to each other b/c I would definitely pay for you to take our family pictures. I think one day a time, one family at a time. Maybe ask a friend if you could take their pictures, I’m sure they would jump at the chance.
jen@ourdailybigtop´s last blog ..The Real World: ODBT
Do it. It’s your passion. It’s what you love. And you never know what you can do until you put it all out there and just do it. Me? I’d totally pay you to take pictures of my kids. :)
Do it! From what I’ve seen glancing every now & then at your blog, your pictures are simply beautiful. My sister & I are starting our own photography business as we speak & we still have a lot to learn. But we will learn as we go. If you wait until you’re 100% ready, you will NEVER do it! We just bought our domain name & formed a limited liability company (to protect our assets) and we’re on our way. I’ve done a handful of pics for family & friends and feel like now’s the time to at least start charging a small sitting fee for our time. Now is the time…why wait?!? Life is short.
Keli, your stuff is already professional quality. I say go for it. If you don’t, you’ll never know. I personaly think you would be amazing at it. I would definitely pay you to take my family pictures.
Nancy´s last blog ..Project Me
I have to say Keli, that if there is anyone that could do it, and RoCk it, it would have to be you. Your pictures are so gorgeous. And so personal. And so lovely. I can imagine that you will be big. That you will be magnificent at this. And I think that you will be happier! I just feel it in my gut. And I also feel in my (very LARGE) gut, that a brownie would be delightful to eat right this second while my husband is watching the Eagles and biting his fingernails… : )
Life with Kaishon´s last blog ..3,650 days. 3,650 magical days.
if I can do it, you can do it !
it was easy….start with friends and move on to strangers…..shoot lots of photos for free….let the word get out and before you know, your phone will be ringing…..
YES, Totally!! Do it! You are amazing! If I wouldn’t have to drive half way across America, I’d totally have you do my pics. And then I’d bug you to teach me everything you know :)
amanda@isewdoyou´s last blog ..Yoga Pants to Knit Scarf-Refashion
Keli-
It was a sign, don’t ignore it! You obviously have the talent and I don’t think it could be a mistake to do something you truly love. I wish people would have told me that when I was younger, instead of making “smart” school/career choices pick something you actually love. If you are passionate about something you will be happy and successful, I believe that! : )
Amy (LuckyNumber 13)´s last blog ..Snow Daze
You are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beautiful and very creative pictures!!!!
Helky´s last blog ..Surrounded by love
You are beyond good enough!! I cant believe you’re not already a pro!!!!
I am so inspired by your work – I love it!
ps – you can practice taking pictures on jayci anytime! :-) i mean if you need to build your portfolio :-)
Becca´s last blog ..Winter Storm 2010
You have to at least try… If you never do you will always regret it.
Being an artist isn’t easy and it doesn’t always mean financial success, but if it fills your heart with joy and makes your stomach queasy and makes your palms sweat then you have to do it.
You know what you want… stop debating with yourself and just go for it!
In my opinion you have the talent, drive, and passion for it. It also seems like you have an amazing support group behind you (husband, daughter, friends, etc).
Jade´s last blog ..Intense Complexities… Intense Simplicities…
Oh, and ps, I got my new camera through whining to my sweetie too ;)
Jade´s last blog ..Intense Complexities… Intense Simplicities…
“Without Him, I cannot succeed; With Him I cannot fail.” Of course you know the Him is referring to God. God has given each of us gifts. The sad part is that we limit what He can do with that gift unless we give it back to Him and trust Him to use that gift as He sees fit- NOT as we see fit. The children of Israel didn’t see the waters part until they stepped in it. Peter didn’t walk on the water until he got out of the boat. Faith is grown when we throw our plans away and let go and let God. Love you, sis!
Here’s a thing to think about. When you envision it, do you feel any sense of peace or just sheer terror? I believe that yes, things can be difficult…but if you don’t feel a sense of peace with that decision, now may not be the time.
Also, who says you can’t just start it? Get the basics together, register your business name and get a tax id n such, or even keep it as a hobby business. Then you only have to report income over $400 yearly, and even then it’s considered hobby income.
Get things started, flowing together and see how it works. Either it will work or not. But I totally believe you would be fantastic. Your photos are amazing….and if it is in your heart to try this, go for it!
Love you dearly!!!