Trying to find all the layers. 😂 It takes a lot of concentration.

 

Six years. Over 150 Weddings. (And I still LOVE it!)

It’s hard to believe it’s already been six years. When thinking back to the beginning there was SO MUCH I didn’t know. I didn’t even know the words to use to ask the questions I didn’t know I had yet.

Sometimes I forget how far I’ve come. How much I’ve learned over the years.

Our Houseguest is taking a photography course this semester. It’s been so much fun listening to her. Trying to figure out what aperture is. How aperture and shutter speed work together. And what is ISO anyways?

I’ve had a blast answering all her questions. Not only because it makes me better, but also because it reminds me how much I’ve learned over the years.

 

So many stunning Watson Brides! So many wedding trains. 🙂

 

We all start somewhere.

When I started, I had my Canon Rebel T3i, a space to work and nothing but sheer determination.

• I knew I enjoyed photography.
• I knew I wanted the freedom that comes with being an entrepreneur. (Even if the hours can be daunting!)
• I knew this time was my opportunity to try.

 

I shot my first wedding just a couple of days after officially incorporating RWP. An unexpected connection and a huge blessing. It never should have happened.

I booked 5-10 more weddings off my new portfolio and did 30 weddings in my first year.

 

Why do photographers do this?
2014, 2015, 2018
Still can’t figure out my hair. 😂

 

It never should have happened.

But for some reason, God showed up in this. I don’t talk about it much here, but God’s a huge part of my life.

My Mom always says when things start falling into place. When the ducks fall in a row, God may be directing you somewhere.

That was certainly true for me.

I had just bought my camera when my Mom heard about a free class to learn more about photography and the mechanics of the camera.

Honestly, the class was a little overload for me. I don’t remember much and I never looked through the material after. However, at the end of the class, they raffled off a few things.

I actually won a camera bag!

It was totally awesome. My Mom just leaned over and said, “Another duck.”

Not long after that, I got a random text message from Thumbtack. I had never heard of it and I had no idea how they got my number, but I checked it out.

I booked 56 jobs on Thumbtack over the next 2.5 years. I never should have found the site. Another duck.

 

I think that’s how God works sometimes.

God delights in us, especially when we seek Him and His will. He knows my heart. He knows how He created me. Fierce. Passionate. Problem Solver. Joyful. Adventurous. People Person. Optimist.

I’m right where I’m supposed to be and I LOVE what I get to do.

 

 

What are you chasing after right now?

Over the last 6 years I’ve learned a lot, but if I had to give you just 6, here is what I have for you.

1. Pay attention when the ducks fall in a row or pay attention when opportunities come up. Don’t be afraid to say, “Yes!”
2. Ask for help. I had a few different people come around me starting out and that was huge. It helped me find resources and gear I may not have otherwise and it helped me get “official” right off the bat.
3. Punch Fear in the Face. There will always be something trying to hold you back. Say, “No” to fear and knock things out, One. Day. At. A. Time. You’ve got this!
4. Make sure to “Turn it off.” It’s so important! Work hard. Go home. Rest and have fun with friends. When you do this, you can get back at it the next day refreshed and energized.
5. Being an entrepreneur means being gritty and sometimes means working multiple jobs. Even though I was working full-time hours in my first year with 30 weddings. I wasn’t making a full-time wage. That was okay though! I was learning a totally new skill set.
6. It’s actually okay to fail. I’ve started multiple things in RWP that never took off. However, I learned so much through those experiences. Just because you fail, doesn’t mean you go back to square 1. It means it’s time to reevaluate and try a new approach or new idea. 😉

 

Just a few of my thoughts as I sit here reflecting over the past 6 years. Thanks for going on this journey with me. 🙂 I’m grateful for you and I’m looking forward to this next year.

 

Much Love Friend,

PS. Do you have something you want to see Behind The Lens? Let me know! I always love hearing from you. 🙂

 

Our Story: How We Met

Tips & Tricks  Entrepreneurs & Brides 

My Story: Starting RWP

How to Increase Productivity

Your Perfect Sparkler Exit

Choosing Your Wedding Veil

The One Thing Holding You Back: Beating Fear

The Secret to Social Media