CherishedMoments

LOL

Just kidding, I am wrong at least once every 5 minutes.

Things are about to get real.  Like, really real.  Again.

When my mom finally convinced me that I could make it in this business and I made the leap into photography, I wanted to be cheap.  I wanted to be affordable.  I wanted to be the one everyone could use that couldn't afford the good photographers.

And unfortunately, I have a big mouth.

One of my biggest weaknesses is my impulsiveness.  More often than not, I jump the gun without looking at the big picture.

After about 6 months of being an affordable photographer, I was drained.  I was so exhausted.  And my family was left in the dust.

So I started doing some research.  I took the time to learn the business.  I took classes and joined organizations to help support the love of the craft.  And I learned that while I was being affordable, I was actually spending money to go on these photo shoots.  Most important, I was losing that time with my family.

Cost of Doing Business

It's kind of a big deal.

After I sat down and figured things up, I knew I needed to make a change if I wanted to continue doing photography.

I invested more time and research; went to more classes and joined organizations.  And at the start of 2017 I made the switch.  It was scary. Absolutely scary.  I told myself that I would lose at least 75% of the clients I had gained in that first year.  And I did.

But then I obtained new clients.  I will never be grateful enough for those business relationships I had gained.

2017 was a huge success for my business.  There was a lot of growth, a lot of setbacks, a lot of heartache and a lot of bliss.  Each client I work with is a gift to me, and I try so hard to make them feel appreciated.

This year has started a little slower, but that is to be expected with a new baby.  Of course I am cautiously optimistic to see how this year will go.  I understand, just as much as anyone else the investment my clients make.

I guess my point with this blog post is to say I am sorry that I was wrong.  That I didn't do my research before I jumped.  And that I opened my mouth before I knew what I was talking about.

But I am learning.  I am growing.

And I promise you, that I will always strive to go above and beyond as your photographer.

My Reasoning:

Amelia_Newborn_003_A Photo courtesy of Mariellen Youngdahl of TruYou Photography and Design (Yes, I hang out with her a lot!)

If you are a photographer, I encourage you to reach out to your local organization.  The knowledge you will retain and the community of friends/colleagues is invaluable.

If you are in Iowa, I encourage you to check out the Professional Photographers of Iowa.  That was my first step of growth and I honestly cannot imagine being on this journey without the people from this organization!

Until next time.

Marie Grace Photgraphy

Southeast Iowa's Fine Art Portrait Photographer

Sigourney, Iowa

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