(READ TO THE END...THERE IS AN AMAZING OFFER FOR ONE LUCKY PHOTOGRAPHER)
Two years ago I never thought it possible that I would be focusing (no pun intended) my life in the direction of photography. It's a passion, a true love but I never new I could be making a living off of it too. "You mean, you actually can DO WHAT YOU LOVE?" I've heard about people doing that before, but it's always been ingrained that I need to do something that will allow me to be financially stable. I suppose that makes sense, esp. b/c I love to travel, and if I'm going to travel (and photograph those travels), I would need money...meaning, get a financially stable job. Ok, so I did just that. Got my Master's in Physical Therapy and then started a corporate career with medical device companies working as a clinical specialist. Granted, I've been doing something that I like, but not truly LOVE.
One day I ran across
MeRa Koh blog, and I was instantly drawn to her. She offered courses in beginners photography...for woman...and I had to go. I attended one of her fabulous workshops and since then, my life has has been forever changed. I felt energized, a visceral gut feeling of wow...I want to pursue a career in photography...this is MY CALLING.
MeRa is a superhero to me, and I don't think she knows enough how she inspired me to start my own business. Literally, the week after the course I launched my blog and my business.
MeRa and Brian of MeRa Koh Photography (pictures borrowed from their blog ...it's one of their all time favorites!).
Realizing my calling is to be the best children, family and wedding photographer, I needed to take the appropriate steps, I needed direction. I started working with a business coach, MeRa's business coach...and a brilliant one at that. Karen Buckley and I have been working together for over a year and a half. Karen provided me the stepping stones it took to start a business. I loved taking pictures, but the business side of things was a whole new ball game...and I was honored to have Karen guide me.
picture borrowed from the Wisdom Connection
Karen has even recently started helping women realize their potential with her seminars (
Wisdom Connection). Working with Karen has given me so many of the tools I need to get my business in great working order. I wouldn't be where I am today without her!
One of the biggest barriers with turning my photography business into a full time endeavour... which was the amount of hours I had to give to my corporate day job (remember that financial thing...). We're talking 50-70 hours a week...and then I was doing the photography thing on weekends. That has changed (some), and as of recent, I was laid off. Yep, I too was one of those people affected by the economy. However, I was lucky b/c I was offered a per diem job with this same company. Could there be a bigger blessing in disguise? I can work when I want to, still make some money, and now REALLY FOCUS on my photography business until I'm truly ready for it to become full time. WHICH WILL BE SOON....WATCH ME!
Now it's time to buckle down, get serious and plan for my future. And these experiences couldn't have happened at a better time. So, to take it serious, not only am I working with Karen, but as of this month, I am involved with one-on-one coaching with
Dane Sanders. Dane is an amazing photographer out of Orange County and he is the founder of the
Fast Track Photographers, which I happen to be a member of . Dane is offers the most incredible knowledge to help newbie photographers get on the FAST TRACK to starting their photography business. Dane will be a huge compliment the coaching I have received from Karen...and
MeRa...and all those other fabulous photographers out there who have given me advice, wisdom, tips, tricks and tools.
(photo borrowed from Dane's facebook profile)
Dane is hard core...and I mean that in the greatest sense ever! He's thorough, no BS, and is extremely thought provoking. With the coaching, I have one-on-one conference calls, I receive 'homework', I get to work with a group of 4 others who are getting mentored and best of all, I get to share this knowledge with another photographer...to become a mentor myself.
Now here's where the special comes in...
All the fabulous knowledge I receive from Dane, I GET to to turn around and share with someone for FREE! Now I get to be a MENTOR!
I am on the search for that individual who is interested in that mentor ship. Someone who is really ready to jump start their photography business and to be the best. The best is subjective word...but we all should strive for the BEST. I am, and that's why I'm honored to be able to receive this coaching from Dane, and to offer it to someone else. Could that person be you?
If that person is you, please leave me a comment here with why you deserve to receive the mentoring. I have a deadline of April 15th for all entries. Please share this information with other newbie, or even photographers who have been around awhile, but need a fresh pair of eyes to re-evaluate their business.
I can't wait to get on the FAST TRACK...and to help you out as well.
And lastly a huge and personal THANK YOU to all those individuals who have been inspiration and those who have helped me along the way.
Laurel McConnell, Integritas, Barbie Hull, Jenna and John Karwoski, Tamara Lackey, Jasmine Star, Sarah Rhoads, Gerald and Airika Pope, Marianne Graham, Becker, Ella Blue, Erwin Wijanto, Monique Lowe, Amanda Mays, Julie Watts, Carrie Hasson, Michelle Zeserson Riddle,
Wendy Zippwald,
Jessica Nichols,
Kristen Buchmann,
Steve Smith, and many many more!
He was very unsure of them, but gave them a good test drive. Somewhat walking like a cat with tape stuck on his paws (not that I ever did that to my cats growing up ;) ).
Such intense concentration when playing with his toys
Those pouty lips, that round little chin and cute button nose...see, I told you...AD-OR-ABLE.
I recently joined Nina for lunch and Lochlan made my new favorite face, he has the one sided smile. I wish...oh how I wish I had my camera at that point. That smile was a lady killer! I'll capture that smile soon...just you wait!
Sleepy boy!
Teenie Tiny toes
Dimpled bottom 
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