I have this page marked as my homepage in the hope that seeing it before anything else when I open my browser will inspire me to keep to a regular update schedule. Of course, now I am fixating on whether or not the first sentence in this post is a run-on. I will conclude that it is not in order to move on. :)
The past few weeks have brought on a lot of changes in terms of my career goals. I guess that's what happens when you're left alone with your thoughts for a while. Although I will be pursuing a degree in literary arts in hopes of one day netting a "big girl" job like an editor or (ideally) director of a publishing company, I will also be honing my photography skills in an effort to squeeze in on the over-saturated market. I've found photographers of all skill levels to be especially prevalent around military towns. Some people jump into business as soon as they receive a DSLR camera! I would kill to have that kind of confidence! Unfortunately, I am so completely unfamiliar with DSLRs that I would likely fail with that approach. I plan to use a slow and steady method: Basic equipment, practice practice practice, build equipment, build portfolio, establish self within photography community, start a business. Right now, I'm looking at about a 3-year plan to get it all into place.
I know some people may wonder (and some very well may not) why I am venturing into the photography world. Well, aside from my love for photography, which I have had since I was a child (spent lots of my pocket money on disposable cameras), I have had dreams of running a business. I adore the idea of being my own boss, being accountable for my actions as well as having the power to rectify bad situations, making a name for myself. I have a hunger for success. I realize this may be a problem further down the road if plans do not come to fruition, but, for now, dreaming big is all I have. Also, photography fits well with the stay-at-home-mom role I am fulfilling until the kid(s) start school and I feel comfortable leaving the house for extended periods for a "real" job.
My main focuses are going to be wedding/event, birth, and boudoir photography. They are somewhat unconventional choices, to be sure, but they are what I prefer. And, from a logistical standpoint, they have an even greater appeal: There is (generally) much less competition in those categories, as well as greater net earnings. I wouldn't turn down traditional portraits (especially in my few years of practice!), but would more likely refer them once I start booking event shoots regularly. Come January, once I have my basic equipment outfit put together, if anyone wants to model for me, I will be doing a few free mini-sessions to get a feel for it. I'll have more information on this in another month or so. I want to stress, however, that they should not be used as a substitute for professional photos, as I am not a professional just yet!
