As a “newbie” photographer and an honest to goodness introvert, I decided to take a leap out of my comfort zone and I did the [once] unimaginable…I registered about 3 months ago for a photography retreat. Maintaining that I’m newer to the business side of photography, I went in already feeling intimidated by the names of the ladies (who are wonderful, by the way) who were hosting. Names that I’ve seen pop up in my newsfeed dozens of times. Or more. Because they achieved recognition on their art. Because they are phenomenal photographers. Because they are also continuing to learn. And you know what? I had an amazing experience. I “jumped” as one of my fellow attendees would say.
And the results are conclusive. Jumping out of your comfort zone can in fact be a wonderful opportunity to grown, learn, and develop connections with new people. I am a self-professed “work in progress” in photography and in life. And I’m okay with that. I’m okay knowing I was the only photographer there who didn’t have a wide-angle lens. Though, one day, I’d love to have one. I’m okay knowing that well, I’m not a “blogger” by nature. I’ve honestly never understood it…but now I do, thanks to some lovely ladies who wanted to help. I also now get the art of tagging images and what SEO actually means (in practice). I’m okay telling you all that I didn’t realize there was a special way to save images – well, I’ll rephrase, I did “know” that information, but I had and still have no idea why or what the true benefit is (it has to do with how the images look on the web, to avoid compression, I think). I’m okay knowing that one day, I might get all of this, buy some more expensive lenses and maybe one day, I’ll get recognition for an online or other form of photography contest (I did actually place 6th in the first one I entered last year, and once I learn how to get that information on here, I’ll share it too!). All that to say, being a work in progress is okay, and everyone, even those highly recognized photographers started not knowing everything. And if I never get recognized by the photography community of FB or professionals, I’m okay with that. Because they aren’t my priority. My God is, and He’s called me to use the talent that He gave me to capture moments of families and joy and newborn babies, special events, and more. And my family is my priority – which his why this is currently a part-time business. I’m an Air Force wife and mother first and foremost. That’s my ministry; that’s my calling. After those, of course friends, which I can’t live without, and then my photography clients. Yes, YOU are my priority with my images and my talent. I will assume you are coming to me if you already know my work or have heard of me – if you love my work, fantastic! Let’s book a session. If my artistic style isn’t for you, I can refer you to someone else, and I’m completely happy to do that. But I won’t change my style for you – though I will continue to be a work in progress and learn and try new techniques, of course!
Thankful for my out-of-comfort-zone jump of faith – because of that, I was able to capture these amazing images! More to come, but here’s a sneak peek! Oh, and I’m okay with telling you…this is my first time figuring out how to post images to a blog post. Wish me luck! #workinprogress
Many thanks to the following who helped make this styled session possible!
The talented hostesses and founders of Life in Loud (an amazing group of ladies, so check out their work and their individual webpages, which can be found at:
Stylist, Lauren Soley:
Personal: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.soley.3?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
Work: https://www.facebook.com/lovegoodweddings?pnref=lhc
IG: lovegoodwedrentals and laurenatlovegood
Model, Autumn Beury:
Personal: https://www.facebook.com/autumn.beury?fref=ts
Work: https://www.facebook.com/…/Hello-Miss-Lovely/213776102047782
IG: @iamautumnrae
Model, Juliane Spears:
https://www.facebook.com/julianevoight?fref=ts
IG: @jewels_and_bailey
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