Inspiration/inspired/inspirational are not words that I use lightly, so when I had a student in my photography class come up to me and tell me that I was an inspiration to them, I couldn't help but feel an enormous well of confidence and pride. It got me thinking a lot the last few weeks about how I got where I am today, running a successful photography business, teaching photography classes, supporting my family financially and really doing a job that I love. The truth is that I used to be the most introverted, shy, unconfident, self doubting person, someone who would never take chances, never try anything new, never take risks, always letting the fear of failure hold me back. It took me 30 years to figure out that sometimes, taking risks, stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something that you never thought you could do is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself.
For me it started 3 years ago when after thinking about starting a photography business for the better part of 5 years, but always letting fear get in the way, I took a risk and booked my first clients. My whole first year in business was full of sleepless nights, self doubt and constant fear that I wasn't good enough. I constantly compared myself to others, and I greatly under valued my time and talent and basically worked for free. I honestly don't know why or when my attitude changed, but in the past year I have gotten to a place where I am more confident in myself and my business than I ever was before. I raised my prices to a sustainable level and now I book families who aren't just concerned about price, but who love and value my work too. And I took a huge step out of my comfort zone and started teaching photography classes, something that I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to do; And wow it is so rewarding being able to share my skills with others, something that I will keep doing whether it's through teaching or eventually mentoring other photographers, I have found another love and purpose. This year I am taking on the risk of opening a new home studio in my small town, and just last week I made my first huge financial decision on my own purchasing and financing a new vehicle as a business owner, something that I worked so hard for, but really never believed would happen. The point I want to make is that doing things that scare you, that take you completely out of your comfort zone, are so worth it, it really helps you grow as a person. I saw a quote this week that summed it up perfectly - "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will'' ~Karim Seddiki
I couldn't think of a more appropriate session to share with you all that ties right into the topic of inspiration, hard work and doing something that you never thought possible. My dear friend Heather, who I have only had the pleasure of knowing for the past year, approached me in the fall to photograph her at her gym - Leduc CrossFit. I have only known the Heather that you see in these photos, a strong, beautiful, hardworking mom of three. What I learned when I did this session earlier this month was that Heather had been working incredibly hard with her trainer for the past several months to not only become incredibly fit and strong but also for a normalized relationship with food and with herself. I encourage to read more about her incredible journey on her blog. Heather, you are truly an inspiration, thank you so much for having me capture this special time for you. I hope you can look at these photos and feel a great sense of pride in how far you have come. Enjoy. {K}
