"Oh you're a photographer! What do you do for actual work then? That sounds like a really fun hobby! " The most challenging question I have been asked at almost regularly when asked what my career is. When I tell others that I am a portrait photographer, I always I thought would be clear signal. Specifically because of the following:
1. I do not work at a normal 9-5pm job in an office. So I work from home and stay at home 90% of the week.
2. I am constantly promoting myself in my circle of acquaintances and in my personal social media.
And 3. I have never actually outright said or told people my business was merely a hobby. It's always been my full time business. So why the assumption??ways been my full time business. So why the assumption??
2. I am constantly promoting myself in my circle of acquaintances and in my personal social media.
And 3. I have never actually outright said or told people my business was merely a hobby. It's always been my full time business. So why the assumption??ways been my full time business. So why the assumption??
I was photographing an event recently and I had an acquaintance (whom I have known for several years) ask me how my 'photography thing' was going. She then asked me "is this was a part time on the side thing or just a hobby on top of my normal job?" . I knew she was genuinely interested in what I was doing, but seemed confused that this is something I would push so hard to do full time for 'little to no money'.
One of the most challenging parts of being a photographer is being seen as the professional. I now know that majority of my clientele does not come from the people I grew up with or people I actually know. Maybe it's because they have all already established a photographer in their life? Maybe they have a 'friend of a friend' who 'has a camera' or they have a family member willing to do it for free? I'm not sure exactly why, but I have finally accepted this fact.
My mentor and friend Joelle Elizabeth Photography recently launched her podcast and inspirational Instagram page called Heart to Heart (link here to follow along with her!). In her podcast, she describes the struggles of 'Owning your Youth as a business Owner' in the very FIRST podcast episode!
Why is being young such a bad thing? When we as young entrepreneurs take a giant leap of faith in something like, starting and running your own photography business, it's very often looked upon as a 'hobby' or that the individual is not worth the time or investment due to their age. Now to be fair, I am 26 years old; still in my younger adult years. Despite that, I have been doing portrait and landscape photography since I was 16 (read more in the Deets on Me above!!). I was a wedding & portrait photographers assistant for two full YEARS before I decided to become an individual business owner' I will be celebrating my 3 year mark this November!
My experience, dedication, and education is above and beyond any other photographer in my specific field of portrait and family photography. I am extremely proud of my business and how much I have grown!!!
My goals, plans, dedication and many investments I have made were methodically planned and chosen specifically in the areas I knew I needed to dedicate myself! They weren't up to par, and I need consistent growth. I still invest my time and finances into education because I love it so much! I am always looking for more education! (check my blog post on my top 5 goals HERE! )
I can honestly say that I love everything about my career. I was born to serve my clients and be a photographer. I finally realized that my style, dedication and my business are are not for everyone, nor can I do every type of thing for every type of client (shameless plug to why I Specialize in Portrait and Family Photography blog post HERE).
I can promise you that you will never have a better experience before, during and after our session than that of a Kaitlynn Quist Photography Session!
