Friendship, Encouragement & Taking The Next Step

I would like to thank those of you, who through your comments, have been very encouraging to me relating to my photography skills and some of the pictures I have posted. I am honored that you would take notice enough to leave me a kind remark.

I have been drawn to photography since I was a young girl and can spend hours looking through albums and boxes full of pictures. It's like being able to hold a memory in my hand! I receive much joy from capturing life through the lens of a camera, and feel it is an art form to be shared and celebrated. I guess part of my growth and education has been the realization that not everyone shares my view. Not everyone wants their picture taken, or wants the memories that a picture evokes. For some, looking back is an unwelcome and painful reminder. A picture may represent hurtful times, relationships or a suffering self image. I suppose, even though for me these lessons were painfully learned, the concepts are good for any photographer to understand. In light of this negative feedback, I developed a fairly guarded approach in pursuing anything having to do with my love of reflecting on life through photography. It has only been within the past few years that I have begun branching out and am becoming more confident in my skills as a photographer. It is still a struggle for me, with my perfectionistic tendencies, to look at my work and feel certain that I have the skills to bump this effort up to the next level. I don't know if any of you can relate to this process or not, but it has been a major player for me over the past few years.

My husband has been an amazing "cheerleader". He has been encouraging me to branch out and pursue my interest now that the girls are grown and on their own. Our daughters, other family members and friends have joined in as well and given me courage to begin taking steps (however hesitant I may be) towards gaining confidence that I really may, in fact, have a talent in this area. Brad has spent endless hours researching equipment and reviews. I couldn't ask for a better partner (both in life and in business :-). For years I have been shooting for family and friends; capturing baby's births, portraits, engagements, Bridal photos and weddings. I also do contract work for a local wedding photographer.

Now, Brad and I have decided to officially hang out my shingle in a related area. In addition to the free lance work I am currently doing, we are moving into the area of producing vir*tual tours for the Re*al Es*tate industry. We have gathered the equipment and software needed and will be getting this service up to speed shortly. This door was opened when a local photographer, who is relocating out of town, offered to train me and help me get started. So...looks like we are taking the plunge! I certainly have my work cut out for me dealing with new software, equipment, web sites, and general business "start-up". I am planning for this to be a part time opportunity and maybe eventually grow into more of a family business. Our youngest daughter is interested in assisting with this endeavor, however, that is not yet an option with her living out of town. So....new things on the horizon over here!! If God brings me to your mind, please pray with us for wisdom, and God's continued leading. He has opened the door...so I am walking by faith, until at which time He chooses to redirect my steps.