What I've Learned From Running an Emotion Based Business UnEmotionally
“The core of authenticity is the courage to be imperfect, vulnerable, and to set boundaries. ”
As a photographer I am warmly welcomed into the most precious moments of stories! I am able to slip into the heart stuff that no one outside the tight circle of friends or family is allowed to witness! I love this aspect of my job! I love being able to capture the emotion of a story for my clients! I can’t even begin to explain how wonderful it is to hear a client remark on how beautiful they feel in their images. It is an ocean breeze lavashing peace on my heart, but this can be dangerous territory too. The opposite can also happen leaving me feeling responsible for another person’s insecurities or unrealistic expectation. I value feedback and take all of it in with a gain of salt and as much understanding as possible! Being a photographer can often look like balancing my own emotions with the emotions of my clients. I can’t be destroyed by a lack of response, or tough feedback, or even a simple mistake of my own doing! I sell people my artistic representations of themselves - their connections and emotions. I don’t create anyone. I just see beauty and connection and craft images around that.
The business and boundary side of photography is where it all gets tricky for most artists including me! I chose a career doing what I love - pursuing what is lovely in an effort to expose the beautiful side of relationships - and along with that choice came a career in marketing, business management, a bit of accounting and a lot of sales! Before I created my business I began creating my art. The transition from an artist to professional photographer looks a lot like loosing a ton of skin and growing it back way thicker. The first potential client who states they will be looking elsewhere because of the expense cuts deep. It shouldn’t… but it does. It plays with the head and leaves one wondering if one’s own work is even worth paying for. That is where the emotions need to be silenced and the truth needs to be examined! After all, photography equipment is not cheap, time is not cheap, education is not cheap, effort is not cheap, planning is not cheap… The dream of creating beauty in the world in general is not always valued by everyone in the same way. What one sees as necessary and lovely another may see as extravagant or needless! Who honestly is the judge? You! You choose what you value and your life’s story reflects that choice.
In the last five years I have learned that the value of myself is not in my work nor the value of my work in the opinions of those who do not value it! I have arrived at the threshold of peace and grace with myself… Me… a work in progress… a person who wants only to value and be valued… to love and be loved. All for now!