A personal blog post and behind the scenes look

If someone would have told me starting a business is hard work…

If someone would have told me I’d spend hours in front of a computer screen editing pictures…

If someone would have told me I’d wrestle with guilt in maintaining the balance of being a mom and having a business…

If someone would have told me I’d need to learn about marketing, blogging, branding, updating a website, and what “my style” is…

If someone would have told me that I’d continually be taken out of my comfort zone and placed in front of others to be judged…

If someone would have told me I’d ponder and question what I should have done differently, because the Inbox with new clients is empty…

2016 marks five years since Jessica Photography was officially started. Five years…so often we say time flies, but in some ways those five years have seemed somewhat long. A lot has happened in those years and I’ve learned so much! I’ve learned so much about photography and about running a business, and for that matter I think I’ve learned more about myself.

After nap cuddles are a great break from my work. Memories I will cherish.

Quite honestly, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into five years ago! I didn’t know the hours of thought, energy and work ahead of me or how having two sons and being a stay-at-home mom was going to fit together with a business. I didn’t know all that I would learn about the art of photography, lighting, and cameras. Oh my, when I think back to some of my first session or weddings…yikes!! What was I thinking when I told my first bride/groom that I’d photograph their wedding??? I think sometimes God allows us to be naive to get us to try new things!

But really, aren’t the unknowns normal for life? God doesn’t promise to show us what’s going to happen years down the road, however, he has promised to be with us and guide us.  “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105  I believe God shows us steps at a time…a light for our path.

If you’re a photographer you know all the different positions we get ourselves into! Ha!

What a stance! Almost embarrassing!

Oh my, I think my left eye will have more wrinkles! lol!

Practice before the wedding with the doves. My little guys got in on the action.

The favorite part of my job…people!

Ahhh yes…that time I literally went in a creek with these waders on to get the shot. What was I thinking??

If someone would have told me…would I have taken the plunge five years ago?

I guess I don’t know, but what I do know is that I have had a peace in God’s direction.

I know I’m grateful for the many lives I’ve been able to come in contact with that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

I know that when the Inbox is slow…God knew I needed a break.

I know that my business doesn’t need to be my life.

I know that my identity doesn’t need to be my art.

I know that God knows what’s ahead!

Most people probably don’t know, but I love to dance…at home with my family I can really get my groove on! Teehee!  I’ve been pulled out on the dance floor a couple time…don’t judge, I know I look awkward!

It was a bit humbling sharing some of these pictures, but they bring a lot of good memories.  I’m grateful the second shooters I had along for these wedding snapped these pics to help me remember!