When I first started my business, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I just knew that there was this little fire burning in me to show off my passion. I knew I had to just go after what I wanted and work my rear off to get there. I can't count how many hours I have spent reading, learning, trying over and over again to get it right...basically practice makes perfect as they say!! Please don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect. I still have ways to go to learn to get where I want to be even more. It took me time and it didn't happen over night for me like I wanted it to sometimes. I will admit that I did beat myself up because I wasn't like those photographers I looked up to. They are AMAZING!!! Their work is just breath taking and they have been in this business for years. I really did get bummed out a few times because I wanted to be at that point they were at. My attitude towards my business was getting me down because I just wanted to be like them...AMAZING and be at that point where they were! I was putting my all into my business and I still wasn't there. I had to remember that I was still a "newbie"...yes I said it NEWBIE!! I had to just take one step at a time learn more and more. I had to go at my own pace, my own speed even if the people around me were like rockets and taking off. Also I really didn't want to go out and seek help from people since I felt like a loser. I asked for that help and I got it. I got it from some many wonderful ladies. {You know who you are if your reading this:)!} That help just opened my eyes to so MANY things, so MANY possibilities that I can do for my business.
When I did my internship...Kristen rocked my world with all this knowledge that she just spilt out. My hand couldn't write fast enough on my notebook paper. I came home a new photographer, I was so confident in where I'm going with my business!! I remember her telling me not to worry about other photographers, focus on me and my business. I would get down in the dumps and forget that about myself and had to remember what she had told me along with the other advice!! Of course its an competitive business out there!!!! I see this here in 29 Palms, I see it back home in Kansas, I see it basically everywhere I look not just in photography either. It can be in cakes, car dealerships, clothing stores. But I bet Walmart isn't beating its self up about Target having a sale on furniture!!haha I just had to keep my eye on the prize..making my clients happy, giving them the most amazing photos they can cherish forever and remember their time here in 29 Palms or where ever they were located!
In my first year, I tackled my first wedding by myself for an amazing high school friend. I got to 2nd shoot two weddings with the fab Kristen and I'm so thankful I got that chance with her. I had to go through a name change due to some craziness..but its a change I don't regret!! I had to go through some ups and downs with so many things, it sure was a learning experience! I made it just in time to welcome a little girl into the world where her family was awaiting her arrival. I have made new friendships that will never end. I was able to witness one of my friends give birth to her son while her husband was in country. Been through a sand storm for a homecoming waiting on the buses to arrive for one of my best friends!! I got the chance to be there for many families meeting their new addition and cried at everyone of them!!! I have had to learn to separate my personal life from my business life because at one time it just consumed my whole life at one time!! Its hard to not put your all into your business but I know that I'm just human like everyone else. I have my own little family that is growing. I do this all by myself with no business partner. I have met so many AMAZING people since I opened my business, I wouldn't give that up for anything.
Basically I have learned to keep my chin up through all the rough patches and the smooth ones, that come my way:) Thats how everyone should be!! I have learned that I can't please everyone. I'm my own person, I have my own style, I have my own way of doing things! And I like it that way:):) Don't loose site of your goals!!! Don't loose site of your passion!!! I can't wait to further my business, one day settle back home in Kansas and still have my business running!!
Here are just some of my favorite moments from 2010..can't wait to make some more in 2011!!
The first one made my cry my eyes out, you captured such a perfect moment. The last one made me laugh my butt off! What great expression you preserved in both of them. From beginning to end, your photography has affected me from head to... butt!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing. I love the work you do and how much you support our military through it.
ReplyDeleteOn a business note I highly suggest reading Seth Godin's blog and/or tweets (if you do twitter) He knows what he is talking about and while a lot of his posts are geared towards larger companies there are great lessons in there about small business as well.
Tiffany, you have really become a great person. I am glad to know you and I LOVE your photography, I can't wait until we have a baby and have you take pictures :)