Long time listener, first time caller.


Long time lurker, first time poster...Long time pro bono freelancer, first time professional?


Whatever the appropriate expression is, I have been teetering on the outskirts of doing photography professionally for years. Imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and fear of failure have prevented me from taking the leap.


The title image above was my first time anyone paid me for shooting photos of them. This was an 'awkward family photoshoot' I did for fun in Seattle in May 2021. My friends, Olivia and Corey, they could not have been more invested in their characters as you can see below...

A couple in casual vintage-style clothing poses playfully on a forest path.
Two people lay head-to-head on wooden planks in a sunny forest setting.
A playful outdoor portrait with two people posing by stacked tires and guardrails in a wooded area.
A fun shoulder ride pose captured in a dreamy forest setting with soft bokeh background.
A relaxed outdoor portrait on a picnic bench in dappled forest light.
A height-contrasting portrait of two people in floral and striped shirts on a forest path.

Incredible. These were absolutely amazing. Oh and in case you were worried that these two were only capable of goofy photos, we also did a normal couples shoot as well...

A joyful piggyback ride captured on a sunny forest trail.
A casual portrait of two people in striped shirts standing on a wooded trail.
An intimate portrait of a couple in casual clothing sitting on a rock in the woods.
A couple walks hand in hand through a wooded forest path on a sunny day.

I had just switched from Canon to the Sony A7iii and was bursting at the seams for opportunities to use it. I was immediately so impressed with the crisp image quality and focus. I went into the shoot under no expectation to be paid. A few months after the shoot, Olivia reached out and said 'we've gotten so many compliments for our photos, we're Venmo'ing you some money.' I didn't do it for money and tried to reject it but eventually accepted the payment.


That was my first time being paid to shoot photos. I thought it this was finally the sign, I would finally have the confidence to launch into professional photography. Spoiler alert - it wasn't. From then, I have shot thousands more images, bought more equipment, and watched HOURS of youtube videos and courses, thinking that more training and better glass was what I needed. I look back and I was ready then, but I didn't think I was ready. If I don't let go of perfectionism, will I ever think I'm ready? This is a pattern I've traversed before...


Let's go back to spring 2016, I upgraded my Canon Rebel to the Canon 80D, an intermediate level camera. I was immediately inspired by my new purchase to start getting practice and taking photos.  From 2016-2018, I shot several engagement shoots, family sessions, and second-shot for a wedding, all for good friends.

People celebrate at a festive indoor event with ornate columns and decorative elements.
Child wearing a colorful yellow and orange tropical dress twirls in an outdoor garden setting.
Couple embracing on a sunlit path surrounded by lush green trees.
Family of three sharing tender moments together during an outdoor photo session.
Large family group sitting together on a fallen log outdoors for a casual portrait.
Couple in casual attire sharing intimate moments by a lake at sunset.

I can still remember each of these photoshoots and how insecure I felt during them. I was not confident with posing. I wondered why did some images looked SO good, whereas other images just fell flat. I told myself better gear would make me better, but these images already had most of the elements that make good photos. What I needed was C O N F I D E N C   E. Also more experience and time in the editing chair to build my style. Honestly, I could have started right then with the kit and knowledge I had and I would have gotten better. After looking at them now, I was a little too hard on myself.


The largest complaint I have looking at these images now is how I edited them (minimal editing). I looked back through those galleries and selected some of the best frames, of course, but THESE WERE GOOD. Why was I so insecure? This isn't to say I did not also make a lot of mistakes. For every one good image, there are ten bad images with poor lighting, distracting backgrounds, awkward posing, unfocused subjects, etc.  However, I had enough of the pieces, I could have started if I'd had a little more confidence in myself.


Move forward 2019-2020, I was still shooting photos for friends, all for free. I shot some of my favorite images I've ever shot and started to pickup more what makes for a good portrait. Again, these images are minimally edited, which was my style at that time.

Storefront exterior of Cafe Esposana with striped awning.
Person in floral romper and sweater posing outdoors near building.
Dynamic movement shot in parking garage with flowy clothing motion.
Person sitting casually on concrete ledge outside office building.
Family outdoor portrait showing parents sitting with toddler in red plaid vest on grass.
Toddler in red buffalo plaid vest sitting on ground with sunlit background.
Family walking together outdoors with toddler in red plaid vest holding hands between parents.
Woman in white top and olive pants poses against concrete wall in black and white photo.
Woman in white lace top and olive pants poses by rustic fence in countryside setting.
Casual portrait of woman in pink sweater sitting on metal chair outdoors.
Woman in white top and olive palazzo pants leaning on wooden fence at rural location.
Casual portrait of woman in pink top sitting on concrete surface outdoors.
Black and white portrait of woman leaning on concrete ledge wearing sweater and jeans.
Woman in coral dress leaning against white fence during sunset.
Young child in a white lace dress poses near vibrant red flowers in a garden setting.

After all these shoots, I thought I had landed on a style I liked and was REALLY considering launching a professional business. That was put on hold, though, because I decided to move closer to my family, which completely uprooted me from my network I had been crafting at that time.


Fast forward to mid-2021, I'd settled in Alabama, I switched to Sony, more inspiration flooded me, the awkward photoshoot above took place and I still didn't do anything. And now, its 2024 and I have completed many many more individual sessions, engagement sessions, birthday parties, non-profit events, and family sessions (many of which are sprinkled ALL over this website as sample images).


What's been my recent motivation and inspiration that has driven me to launch now? I shot a surprise proposal this October, with a couple I had never met before. This was the first time I was paid by someone I had no prior connection to to conduct a photoshoot. It was a very quick shoot, they had just gotten into town, the light was almost gone, I hadn't shot anything since April and felt a little rusty, but I charged onward. The results are below - and while I'm okay with the results, the non-ideal lighting had me hesitate if I wanted to post it, but I am rolling with it because it is a crucial part of this story. Regardless of my opinion on how well I did or didn't do, it has done the trick. I feel re-ignited.

A romantic couple poses for engagement photos outdoors in natural lighting.
A couple interacts playfully near a wooden fence during their outdoor photo session.
A couple shares intimate moments during an outdoor photo session at golden hour.
A couple embraces while taking casual photos in a natural outdoor setting.
A couple shares joyful laughter during their outdoor photo session.
A couple shares a tender moment while sitting on a wooden bench surrounded by fall foliage.

Here we are, December 2024, I've been almost there so many times and I still haven't done it. I still feel feelings of doubt, that I am not ready, that I need to get more training. Those doubts creep in, but I cannot contain my desire to create. Is it FINALLY time?


To set myself up for success, I have set a few goals for completion by August 2025 which include finishing this website, posting 5 blog posts, second shooting at 1-2 weddings, practice real estate shots in my home (always learning), and doing my first real mini-session in the spring in Demopolis. We will see where we take it from there.


Motivation, don't fail me now.


This was orignally posted on December 18, 2024 and I have migrated my site and had to repost.


Update as of July 2025: I didn't even realize it but I've successfully met all my goals! I am so proud of the hard work I have put in and the improvement I've seen over the last 8 months.