I thought about posting this on Facebook but it's safer here. Not many people come here anymore so it'll be mostly just me with my thoughts. I've also thought about not saying anything at all but I think it's something I need to get out.
I have been becoming increasingly frustrated and this morning decided I GIVE UP. What am I giving up? Photography. More specifically, the thought that I can/should have a business. Everyone and their brother has a "nice" camera and seems willing to do/give everything for $50. Some of them are good. Some....aren't. But I can't compete with that. My time away from my family is worth more than that. I have been working and practicing and learning for....years. And I am still learning. There is so much to know. I know I'm not the best or most creative but I don't think I'm horrible. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Oh well, at least I'll have nice pictures of my kids.
I know I'm not the first person to have these thoughts and complaints. I know this is common. And I want to make it clear that I'm not talking about anyone I actually know, either IRL or online. I'm talking about photographers here, where I live.
A couple months ago, Bill Howard was speaking at our church. Bill started Alex's House in Haiti after the earthquake in 2010. Our church has partnered with Bill and Alex's House and I'm very excited to be going to Haiti in September with a team from our church. Anyway, when Bill was speaking that Sunday, I was given an idea. I haven't told anyone about it and I've been dragging my feet about doing anything about it. It's not that I've rejected it. If it's what I'm supposed to do, I'm more than happy to do it. I have always told God that whatever gifts or talents He's given me, I am more than happy to give back and use for Him. I'm beginning to think that this frustration I'm feeling is Him pushing me.
I can't post without a picture. I think I've posted this one before but I don't have anything new and it's one of my favorites of all 3 of them.
I have been becoming increasingly frustrated and this morning decided I GIVE UP. What am I giving up? Photography. More specifically, the thought that I can/should have a business. Everyone and their brother has a "nice" camera and seems willing to do/give everything for $50. Some of them are good. Some....aren't. But I can't compete with that. My time away from my family is worth more than that. I have been working and practicing and learning for....years. And I am still learning. There is so much to know. I know I'm not the best or most creative but I don't think I'm horrible. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Oh well, at least I'll have nice pictures of my kids.
I know I'm not the first person to have these thoughts and complaints. I know this is common. And I want to make it clear that I'm not talking about anyone I actually know, either IRL or online. I'm talking about photographers here, where I live.
A couple months ago, Bill Howard was speaking at our church. Bill started Alex's House in Haiti after the earthquake in 2010. Our church has partnered with Bill and Alex's House and I'm very excited to be going to Haiti in September with a team from our church. Anyway, when Bill was speaking that Sunday, I was given an idea. I haven't told anyone about it and I've been dragging my feet about doing anything about it. It's not that I've rejected it. If it's what I'm supposed to do, I'm more than happy to do it. I have always told God that whatever gifts or talents He's given me, I am more than happy to give back and use for Him. I'm beginning to think that this frustration I'm feeling is Him pushing me.
I can't post without a picture. I think I've posted this one before but I don't have anything new and it's one of my favorites of all 3 of them.
14 comments:
I just left a long comment and I'm not sure if it went through or not? If it did, just ignore this one. If not, let me know so I can try to remember all I said.
(((((Hugs)))))
I love you, girl!
Hi Kristin. Your comment didn't go through :-(
Love you too Shannon!
Amy ~ I hear you on all levels. I'm new to my community and it's hard to break into a small town that is loyal to their home grown folks. I've noticed that I actually get worked up/depressed the more time I spend online/FB seeing what other photogs are up to... feeling inadequate or inferior. When I step away from the internet and trust that God will bring me the clients that He wants me to have I find peace. I may never be the "IT" girl but I do want to be used for "HIS GLORY." I will be praying for your next steps. (((hugs)))
I know exactly where you are coming from. I tried to get into the senior market at my daughter's high school, i found out students have saturated that market. I closed my business for this exact reason.
hang in there and shoot for you.
The ironic part of your post is that we JUST got the kids school photos back and they are HORRID!! Jacob asked if we were buying them and I said HECK NO, that we have our own personal photographer!!! xoxxoxoxoxoxooxx
Tree and Misti-thanks for the prayers and support.
Jen-You still have your own personal photographer. I'm not quitting completely-just moving in a new direction. Gotta work some stuff out but I'll probably be posting something about it soon. :-) Love ya!
I completely and totally agree with what Tree said! When I get clients, it's the people who truly want me to take their photographs and it makes me happy. Sure, I have a website and all, but I am not out to solicit tons of business (afterall, I work FT and am a wife and mom... oh and student). I want to do this because it makes me happy and I enjoy it. God will bring those people to me that I am truly meant to take their photographs. I hear comments all the time about price and not getting a CD, etc.... but you know what, my time is precious and if people want me, they will be willing to pay what I ask (even if it way less than other photographers charge). I know God's got BIG plans for you, Amy. You are too precious for him not too! :)
oh Amy, I have struggled with the same thing in the past....know that you are not alone. Whatever is meant to be will be....good things will happen to you <3
Oh, Amy, I understand your frustration. I have friends at various places in their photography. Some are extraordinary and have thriving businesses--but they also have the personality and drive. I don't have that and will never make a living at it. I get frustrated when people say, "Wow, your pictures are so great, you must have a really good camera." I want to shout, "NO! I'm just a good photographer." :) I'm always being contacted by people wanting me to shoot portraits or weddings "on the cheap." Anyone with a camera will do. Photographers can't compete with that. I never do it. You don't know what an influence you will be by simply creating and sharing here. You've been an inspiration to me. Branch out, wait for God to open a door, and just live in the moment. I hope all comes together, my friend.
Reading your post was like reading what is on my mind here lately. I find that I am always being compared to another photographer in our small town. For me I do not advertise myself as a photographer, I just take pics for myself but there is still this comparable thing going on. It drives me crazy! Don't give up! I enjoy coming to your blog and seeing your pics. You will be in my prayers :) Hugs to you!!
Oh Amy, I'm right there with you. Starting up a business is so frustrating when the market is so saturated with people who are willing to photograph for free. I've wanted to give up several times in the last three months, I'm sticking it out till the end of the year and then making a decision. I'm glad it's not photography you are giving up but just the business. I have always loved coming to your blog and think your photos are beautiful! Even though I don't comment much I'm a silent lurker. ;) I hope your new direction brings you lots of success in whatever it may be. I look forward to hearing more about it.
definitely hear ya. it's not easy and i can totally understand your decision. it just sucks the fun out of it too sometimes. you are awesome. shoot for yourself and don't worry about clients. if someone finds you and wants you to shoot them at a price you are comfortable with go for it. i think you can still do that. good luck!
Good luck to you...it sounds like you are open and ready for God to use you where you are neeeded. the blessings from that will be greater than any $$$ that would come in from a profession. Your photography is beautiful. I have to share a funny with you. I have a young neighbor who is opening a business. She put two photos up on facebook, and invited viewers to look at her blog, where she had one more example of her "work". Horrid doesn't describe the examples, but the funny part was that she promised, "even better photos when my new camera arrives". It is the new norm for people to get a "good camera", and go into business. I do not aspire to anything but good photos for my family, and the joy I get from learning continually. I do hope some opportunities will open up for you that will be very satisfying.
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