Thoughts from a Wedding Photographer

A little over 6 years ago, Sunday Morning Studios Wedding & Lifestyle Photography was launched, and it has changed my life in the most beautiful way. Today, I am so grateful my 23 year old self had the courage to jump.

It is a lot of hard work. But the work I do fulfills me in more ways than one, and that keeps me going. Fulfillment is a feeling that’s pretty hard to explain into words. But if I may try, it’s somehow close to contentment, and happiness combined.

What I’m about to share are a few of the things I have learned being in the industry for 6 years.

These are not tips on how to run a “successful” wedding photography business because what is success anyway? These are reminders to inspire us (yes, you and me both!) to always find fulfillment and meaning in the work that we do – whether you have already started, planning to start, or maybe you’re in your 6th year just like me.

Here it goes!

KNOW YOUR WHY

It is important to know why we do what we do.

Money should not be our main motivation. It is a major factor in building a business but it should not be the sole purpose of why we do what we do.

I do what I do because it fulfills me. It allows me to wake up every morning inspired, challenged, and excited. I get to use my skill to add value, serve people, and make them happy. I get to create photographs that creatively document love in its most honest form. I do what I do because it serves as a way to inspire others to live with purpose and intention.

When we lose touch of our WHY and focus too much on the numbers – we lose the passion and motivation. There will be challenges and it involves a lot of hard work but keeping your WHY in mind gets you motivated to overcome them.

BE KIND AND RESPECTFUL

We all know this. But sometimes, we need a little reminder.

Respect the people you work with and you will work with compassion. It will permeate in the images you create. You will work with fulfillment. You will work with love and honesty.

Know that you have been given the privilege to be part of something big and beautiful. Respect that the day is not about you – it’s about the celebration of love and life between two people, and two families.

UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF HARD WORK

If you’re planning on starting, know that it is not going to be easy and it will involve a lot of hard work. This is not meant to scare you. Working hard is normal – building something beautiful takes time and effort. If we have it all easy then maybe we’re not doing enough or we’re not growing as individuals and as a team.

Working hard and hustling becomes worth it if you have a clear sense of your WHY.

BALANCE

Run your business, do not let it run you.

I know myself all too well that I am able to function at my best when I live a balanced life.

By balanced I mean finding time to do all the things that matter most to us. In my case, that’s spending time with my family and friends, travelling to a different place, or finding time to be alone and recharge. As a creative, I need balance so I can give a hundred percent to my work.

Do not feel guilty of rest. Do not feel guilty that you’re not on your computer posting, and sharing, or updating your website. Do not feel guilty that you are getting that well deserved rest after pulling an all nighter editing session, or that your spending a day just “being”.

You put up your own business, you work hard, being able to give yourself time for other things that matter to you is just one of the perks. Enjoy it!

DON’T COMPARE

This is one of the best learnings one really has to put to heart. Don’t compare yourself to somebody’s middle or to strangers on the internet.

I know the drill – we browse through other people’s works (or instagram life) for hours and feel bad we aren’t good enough. How does that serve us?

Learning to stop comparing ourselves to others makes a huge impact in our lives – and frees up so much time too. All it takes is a change in mindset and a little self control.

Next time you find yourself scrolling through someone’s works, remind yourself to stop at one point and to start working on yourself. You can only CONSUME so much. Start CREATING.

We do have people we look up to – and they’re all just human too – they also had a beginning and is also learning as they go, making mistakes and learning from them, just like me, and you. Get inspired by their works. Collaborate with them – feel free to ask questions. Chances are, you get yourself a new friend or a mentor!

GROWTH AND AUTHENTICITY

I think our determination to grow comes out naturally when we’re truly passionate about what we do. Embody your values and beliefs as you grow. It is important to improve our skills, learn, and innovate while staying true to our purpose.

PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH

Weddings and photography in general is a physically demanding work. Wedding days in particular run around 10 – 15 hours or more. We work under the sun or the rain and sometimes both!

We have to perform and be at our best because for your couples, this is a once in a lifetime experience.

We need to be mindful of our health. Be good to your body and it will be good to you – eat healthy and exercise!

WORK AS A TEAM

You cannot work alone. You need a team who have the same purpose. Create a work environment that is centered on a purpose to serve and add value to others amidst the pressure to stand out or be “the best”.

Treat each other as family. Respect and be kind to each other, collaborate, and allow each other to soar.

FINAL THOUGHTS

You can build a thriving business, but building one with a life filled with fulfillment and meaning all together is a whole different story.

Same with my recent blog post, this post is meant to inspire and remind both you and I.

I still consistently remind myself to eat healthy, exercise, and find balance. When things get a little chaotic and overwhelming, I remind myself of my purpose. I go back to that and my vision gets clear – I stop comparing and I stop doubting. I focus on my purpose and everything else, become distractions and excuses that keep me from growing.

I’m blessed to be able to do what I do. It’s not a walk in the park and it’s a lot of hard work but I find fulfillment and meaning in what I do and that’s how I know I am in the right direction. I feel excited and challenged to push forward and do more for my team, clients, and myself.

Hope you found value from the things I have shared. Let me know which ones you find the most helpful and feel free to share your thoughts too!