Beware... Photographer Friends :)

God has blessed. It was a big jump to decide to go into this whole photography thing and give up what was safe and known. Let's face it, change can be so hard especially for the creature of comfort and security :)

A couple of things: I know photography is super popular right now.  I see and will continue to see "businesses" pop up all over on Facebook.
If you really want the business...Beware:
1. You will spend more time marketing, preparing, contracting, buying, promoting and selling than photographing. Love photographing? You better. It's a small piece of the pie.
2. Self regulating. Balancing your own business, family, friends and other obligation= mind blowing organization. (I'm still working on this). Make sure your family truly understands - in the throws of the peak photography season- your weekends are obsolete.
3. Learning to say No. Good luck. I haven't mastered this yet, but I am getting better. Saying no to jobs, saying yes to others. It's a tricky balance.
4. Support other photographers. The pie is big. Don't under cut, don't be too cheap, don't criticize. Every photographer is an artist. Embrace them..they will make you better at what you do.
5. Can you handle demanding clients?  :) They are out there. We might not want them, but honestly they hone your business savvy.
6. Make it legit. If you are selling your expertise...make sure you have DBA's, contracts, insurance and you are claiming your taxes. It will take one client to question you or demand to see your "paperwork"...if you don't have it, it will be damage control on your end.

I could go on, but I just thought I would answer some of the questions I have gotten lately. I have actually suggested..IF you just want to wield a mean camera...great second shooters are hard to come by, offer to second shoot.  

This year, God has blessed OR at least given me what I asked for (haha)..I might change my mind after this summer! Just kidding. It's been a challenge, at times frustrating, at times amazing and brilliant. I'll take the ups and the downs and thankfully my husband has supported me the entire way. Without him, none of this would happen. So, that would be my 7th suggestion..make sure your spouse ( if you have one) and children clearly understand. It takes a lot, they have to give you up sometimes.  My husband knows nothing about photography, but he is my biggest fan :)