Dear Aspiring photographer

(because i get asked all the time, how do I become a professional photographer-here you go)

This is a different kind of love story. It begins when a college freshman walked into Barnett Portrait Studio looking for TMAX film. Anyone coming in there looking for “real film” intrigued me. So I did what any normal employee would do, I offered her a job. (ok so I highly encouraged her to apply). That was 2007

Fast forward to present day. I am smitten with one of my best friends stories. Albeit I had nothing to do with her current successes, but it has been thrilling to watch her grow. That girl that bought the TMAX is now the owner of both Kandi Poppler Photography and co-woner of P.S. I do Weddings. I am sharing with you because she is the perfect example of what starting a successful photography business looks like.

Kandi has put in time at a small photo lab & portrait studio, she has been a wedding assistant, earned a BFA in photography, studied hard, spent endless hours on photoshop, sacrificed, asked questions & found a mentor(s), got a tax ID # from the state, built her website, she saved money for the right equipment,  she has the love and support of family, she has worked really REALLY hard and she has prayed.

She works hard every day. I love LOVE her for that.

Begin a photographer is fun. It’s probably the greatest hobby that I can think of.

Being a professional photographer with a business is a crazy amount of work. It may take years to find your grove & to share your artistry. It takes dedication to keep both your work & your family values in balance. It’s hauling heavy equipment when you’re pregnant, it is climbing trees, laying in the dirt, an up all night long battle with editing software.  Its answering business calls in the middle of dinner, and advertising, blogging and keeping up with the latest trend. Its being the mommy and best friend and fashion”ista”, and clown and business professional all wrapped into one photo shoot.

And for me, It’s completely wonderful. It’s a calling we don’t take lightly,  we live this mission with a positive purpose, to serve others.

I am honored to call her friend and her story is one that I believe in.

So Dear Aspiring photographer,

be so amazing at Who you Are, and the What You do, that they will fall in love with you.

You can visit her  facebook page here(and like her. (Now get out there and be amazing!)