Why I Love what I do and How You Can Too!
You may or may not know this about me, but I wasn’t always a branding photographer. I’ve had many roles over my career and when I found photography I actually had no idea it would turn into a passion. I mean, prior to getting my Nikon D60 back in 2009, my photography experience was limited to the darkroom in high school. However, after re-learning photography by reading some books (yes, I have photography books), spending evenings on YouTube University, lots of twists and turns, and hours upon hours of experimenting, we can now flash forward to making the transition to branding photography. Now I can honestly say that I love my job! But what is it that I love about brand photography? Keep reading for three reasons that I love what I do and tips for how you can too!
It Allows Me to Create Connections and Great Content
You ever go somewhere and it just feels crowded? It’s like when you haven’t seen family in a while (#pandemic) and when you finally get together you have to chat with everyone like its speed dating. It’s hard to get 1:1 time with everyone when they are so excited to see you! Same with photography - I much prefer and enjoy working one-on-one or with small teams to create great content. But it isn’t just the final product that I love, it’s the whole process. I am excited about that first phone call with them, discovering more about their business and brand, and then planning their shoots with them. I also have been able to geek out perfecting my workflows and my systems so it’s a super simple process. Then of course there is the shoot day when we get to bring all of those plans that we’ve made to life followed by reviewing their images and sitting there being like, “Wow, you’re actually kind of good at this!” (Yes I still get imposter syndrome every now and then). And then of course I love sending off those final images (sometimes silently praying, “Please like them, please like them!”) and receiving replies like, “These are amazing!” or “I am so in love with these photos. They’re perfect!” Phew! But then the best part is seeing their website updates and social media posts with their new images. It makes me do a happy dance!
It Gives Me the Lifestyle I Want
After graduating from YouTube University, I started my business as a family and wedding photographer but it got to a point when I couldn’t take working every weekend. I was missing every family get-together, weekends on the Cape, or Saturday night out with friends. I never got to see George or take Decoy for a walk (let’s be real, it was more like a trip around the block), because I would be working all weekend and then editing all week. So I knew that I had to get away from shooting weddings and families but I wanted to continue with photography. Switching to branding lets me do what I love but it also gives me what I need in my personal life which is time with my family! Now I get to sit on our porch on Saturday afternoons with a beer and chat with the hubs and spend time with Decoy and the rest of our family and friends.
I Get to Support Other Female Entrepreneurs
Sure, I’ve had sessions with men and large teams, but most of my clients are female entrepreneurs and solopreneurs and that’s my jam. I feel good knowing that I’m supporting other women in this entrepreneurial business. Plus, I get to meet so many amazing women that are creating incredible businesses and help them get to the next level.
Because I am also a female entrepreneur, I feel connected to those women who are working so hard to build their businesses. Also, and it may just be because I have some kick *ss clients, but their sessions always turn out so gorgeous … like Pinterest Perfect.
How You Can Love What You Do Too
Now that I’ve found what I love to do (thanks YouTube), I firmly believe that anyone can do the same. And here are my tips for how you can do that:
Take note of what lights you up and what is draining. Is it draining because of the task or draining because it’s preventing you from living the lifestyle you want? Sometimes you have to figure out the lifestyle you want, and then match that up with what lights you up!
In general, don’t overbook yourself or sell yourself short. It will make it harder to love your work. Believe me, I’ve learned my lesson with this!
Don’t be afraid to test things, or give yourself permission to try something new. In the end, you can always pivot again.
Now, let’s get you on the books for a branding session so you can share more about what you love to do in 2022!