If you had told me back in 2007 that I would become a photographer, much less a wedding photographer, I would have laughed and run very quickly away from the crazy person trying to talk to me.  I would have run even quicker if they had tried to tell me it would morph into a business. This letter is to my younger self and all the new photographers out there just getting started.  Chins up people . . the adventure is just beginning!

Dear Younger Self,

You know that shiny new D80 that your husband just gave you, turns out it won’t just be some fun camera you get to document his R&R home from Iraq.  That gift is one that will bring countless joy to others and take you on a journey that you can’t even imagine.  You may not see it now as that promise is just a flicker, a small shiny twinkling as you step out and say yes.

 

You won’t get it right all the time and there will be many mistakes, but they will be ones that grow and shape and change your life.  Value education and ask lots of questions.  Find people that support your dream and listen.  Create a community that shares and is positive.

Get up early . . . I mean REALLY early and work hard.  It will pay off but make sure it isn’t at the expense of the ones you love.  Put them first because time is precious and while you are busy photographing others, your babies are growing up FAST.  Not everything is meant to be DIYed.  Hire professionals and it will pay off when you don’t have to rework and redo things over and over again.

Don’t be to hard on yourself.  You are your worst critic and we all had to start somewhere!  Always remember to look forward with a full understanding of where you came from.  It will keep you humble and sane.  Never say never as God has a great sense of humor.  We will often find ourselves in the exact places we swore we would never be because our limited knowledge of something keeps us from huge blessings and exciting new adventures.

Say yes because saying no would mean missing out on one great and exciting roller coaster of life.

 

Sincerely,

An Older Photographer