I don’t remember the last time I went a day without thinking about photography or art. Shoot, I don’t even remember a whole hour going by without having photography on my mind! As I’ve stated before, it is my passion and something I feel that I was meant to do. I spend so much time browsing blogs, websites, books, manuals, etc. about the best practices, equipment, techniques and skills, that sometimes I get overwhelmed.  Sometimes I see photography that is just so unbelievably amazing that I begin to doubt myself.  I get afraid that I’ll never be able to have that life or get to that skill level because I won’t have the time.  I get discouraged because I work a full-time corporate job and have to do my photography on the side.   That’s when I am so grateful for my family, friends and awesome clients (who have become friends) who show me support and have faith in my talent and art.  They help me out of that unrealistic funk and lift my spirits so that I snap out of it and realize that everyone starts somewhere, and we’re all on a journey, and this is mine.   There are photographs I saw a few years ago that I was in awe of and couldn’t imagine being able to achieve that skill level.  Now, looking at the same pictures, I can tell you exactly how the photographer achieved that effect, what kind of lighting was used, etc.  A huge part of that is my neverending drive to constantly and voraciously absorb all information regarding photography. I have made a promise to myself that every single photo session will better than the last, in some way, no matter how tiny.

I also find it so beautiful to read the blogs of fellow photographers who have been down the long road I’m starting now and see that they were once exactly where I am.  It’s also so awesome to see how generous they are with their knowledge, information, and helpful business tips that have helped them become so successful.  One example is Jasmine Star.  She is unbelievably successful – and an absolutely wonderful wedding photographer, and she takes the time out to personally answer her fans’ questions and post FAQs for technique, style and processing on her blog.  Some may just say it’s just good business sense – which is true – but the extent to which she goes to assist her fans and admirers, along with aspiring photographers who look up to her, is so sincere.  She’s just one example.  This goes back to my previous blog where I was talking about how important it is to build a community of fellow artists.  I have learned so much just from other photographers’ experiences on the Internet.  It is truly a wonderful resource.  Of course, the downside is that I haven’t had much sleep in the past few years…but it’s all worth it.