This past year in building a business has been both awesome and the hardest thing we’ve ever done. I don’t think many people talk about the struggles they go through as photographers. I don’t want to speak for every photographer but I know I put a piece of myself into every photo I take so I take everything very personally.
There is a general thought that this job is glamorous and easy when in reality, there are many sleepless nights that are spent studying, coming up with ways to further the business and lots of wondering if I’ll ever be the photographer I want to be. It is so easy to get down on yourself in this industry because everyone else seems to have better equipment, endless amounts of clients and opinions that just don’t quit.
I once came across a forum where a photographer was ripping apart our work. Work that we were especially proud of when all was said and done. I let that one photographer drag me down and make me feel like I’m just not good enough. I spent the night tossing and turning and crying myself to sleep while Pat rubbed my back. The two of us are never affected about something negative at the same time. It is very weird but allows the other one to pick the other up when they’re down.
I woke up the next day depressed and wallowed in my own self misery. In fact, I let it get to me for an entire week. I thought about quitting and giving up on the business until I realized: if we’re happy with where we’re headed then I’m ok with that. In fact, I’m proud in what we’ve accomplished so far.
Lesson learned: keep chasing the dream; despite anyone who feels the need to blast others to feel better about themselves.
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