Kimberly Reed Photography

Me Ra Koh hosted an ‘ask and learn’ session last night on a pro photography forum, and closed with these nuggets of wisdom:

“Be good to yourself. Being an entrepreneur is one of the scariest things we can ever do. Trying to live a life that isn’t based on feast or famine is hard, and we feel the weight when we especially have little ones around us. So be good to yourself for even trying this thing called “self employed” or “on my way to being self employed”. I commend you for trying, despite your fears.

Look at other photographer’s websites and work, but not for too long. If you’re like me you get sucked into this thing of starting to put down your own work. Don’t get in that trap. Set a timer if you have too. You have an eye that no one else does. No one will ever be competition with you b/c no one can express life the way you do. This is truth and always will be.

Take a risk, but make sure you let others in on your risk (maybe one or two) so when the storm hits and you’re not sure if your risk was a good idea, you have support, a safe place to cry and express your doubts. But then hang in there and don’t give up.

And inspired from a conversation I had with my dad this week, whenever you see the magazine Fortune. Think about what it would be like to have a magazine called “Misfortune”. I would read this in a heartbeat. I don’t want to hear about all the “right” things people did all the time. Especially when I often make mistakes and feel like I’m in the dark. Remember that even though it seems like every one and their businesses is doing great, you are too and we’re all struggling to honor the gift and passion we carry.”

I just loved what she had to say, and I had to share it. I get contacted from time to time from photographers who are just starting out in the business and are looking for some wisdom, or insight, or a critique of their portfolio. I’m always honored when someone thinks highly enough of my work and my business to ask me for advice with theirs, so I help them in whatever ways I can. (Plus, so many people have helped me along the way, it just makes sense to pay all of that generosity forward).

Anyway, I wanted to offer encouragement out there to anyone that is just starting out in this crazy business. It’s easy to look around at what other people have, and where they are, and to get discouraged. Don’t. We all have to start somewhere. It’s scary to take the leap into turning your passion into your career path. There are no guarantees in self-employment. But if this is what moves you, what brings a smile to your face, what keeps you laughing and inspired, then hang in there and follow that dream. Through all of the ups and downs and doubts and insecurities, because if you have that creative urge inside of you, it’s always going to be there, and it’s always going to need to be expressed. I’ve tried a zillion 9 to 5 jobs, desk jobs, sales jobs, service jobs, and at the end of the day, I wanted to poke my eyes out. I just can’t do it. I need something that fulfills me. And I’ve found it. I love the challenges and the freedom. I love being inspired by my peers. I love that every day is different. I love that I get to meet so many amazing people, and to be a part of their lives, if only for a moment.
So if you’re reading this, and you’re on the fence on whether to pursue what you’re passionate about (whatever that may be), jump off of the fence and do it. Life is just too short to spend doing something you loathe. Do what fulfills and inspires you, every day. I’m a firm believer that if you chase a dream long enough, sooner or later you’ll catch it.