Making your dreams into your reality, and manifesting your future
Hey! You made it this far, so let me introduce myself. I'm Sarah, the photographer for the madly in love. If you chose to click on this blog, you may be wondering "how can I really manifest my future, or make my dreams into reality?" I have realized the answer is different for everyone, however I'm here to tell you my truth. A year ago I had completely different aspirations. If you would of asked me what "success" looked like, I wouldn't have even come close to where I am today. Now I don't mean to brag or sound as if I'm exactly where I want to be, but I'm here to encourage you to keep pushing. Get ready for the story in 3... 2... 1....
-BORING-
That's what is was in the beginning if I'm being completely honest. When picking up a camera and having no idea how to use it, or more importantly, whom to use it on, it was overwhelming to me. There's a whole world to discover once you pick up a camera and start clicking that magical button. That part is important but I'll come back around to that later. So, when I was given my first camera by my amazeballs hubby... Yes I did just say amazeballs, we did what 99% of people do... took pictures of flowers, dogs, trees, ect. Cue the boring music and the existential crisis inner Sarah was having. "We just spent so much money on this camera, and I'm not even in love with it." Until the day hit that my love story with the camera began. Change that tone, set the mood, and here we go!
-Lights, Camera, FREE?-
When I first started photographing people I did just that, shot for free. It's pretty common and most people do it to build up their portfolio. This is when the sparks started happening in my soul for this craft. However, I still didn't know what I was doing. I was trusting my camera to just do whatever it needed to and didn't understand how to actually use the camera to do what I wanted it to do. The clients who helped me by coming along for those first few sessions helped mold my business into what it is today and I will be forever thankful for them investing in us! Side note: If words of affirmation is your love language, maybe consider becoming a photographer. The kind words you get during, and after a session when you send the gallery is one of the best feelings. In this stage of our journey, that's all it was, positive feedback, until last Christmas.
-Wait, I sold one!-
Two words, Christmas. Minis. So many families get Christmas pictures done. Because of this, I thought that would be the perfect time to "start our business." Well I was right! We finally started selling our time and getting return for our investment. a whole $150 TOTAL... I know, I know doesn't sound like much of a return. Here's the thing though, that's where we were. There are photographers who charge more but that wasn't were we were then. Your prices are important because you have to cover your COB or cost of business, however your client also has to be able to justify spending that dollar amount on your product. You wouldn't pay $500 for a McDonalds hamburger now would you? Also, being the dreamer I am, the dollar amount didn't mean anything to me. It was the fact that people were trusting spending their money with me because they liked my work.
-Ready, Set, Fast Forward-
A lot of exciting things happened after those Christmas minis. We were chosen for Family shoots, Large events, and my personal favorites couples sessions and Weddings, but do you want to know why we had the opportunity for those? It's going to sound SO cringy, but hard work and putting myself out there. In the area that I'm from there's a very saturated concentration of photographers. That means that most people have a photographer friend, family member, or one that they've used for a long time. Knowing this can be overwhelming to new comers into the industry. But here's my little secret.... I DIDN'T CARE. Find a photographer that you want to shadow, ask them the questions, go out every chance you get and take pictures of people. Watch all the YouTube videos you can about how to shoot in manual, get VERY and I mean VERY comfortable with your camera! Social media is an extremely important tool you can utilize to get your name out there. These are the exact steps I did to be where I am a year later, and honestly if you would have asked me a year ago if I thought people would be reaching out for us to capture the most important day of their life, I would have laughed in your face. Have confidence in yourself, in your art, and dream big because you can only do what you manifest!
I will wrap up with this challenge, surround yourself with other photographers that are community minded over competition. Build up a strong community of creatives to support you! I'm always open to helping new creatives or meeting up with people who've been in the game a long time! Connect with me and let's build a community together!
XOXO,
Sarah- your Friendly neighborhood photographer
Instagram:@candccaptures
