The "Start of Something Good" is scary!

This week I really started my "photography education"....I got 3 new books, The Guide to Posing for Portrait Photographers, Master Guide for Photographing High School Seniors, and the Senior Portrait Photography Handbook. I also have a subscription to Professional Photographer's Magazine and am frequenting many photography websites. And now....I'm freaking out!!!! I keep reading over and over again that there is a difference between "soccer mom's that take good pictures" and "professional photographers". (The kids are have reassured me that none of them have ever played soccer, so I don't fit into the first catagory) :) I know I am not a "professional photographer", but I know I take good pictures. I want to be that "mom" who turns into a professional photographer. There is soooooooo much I have to learn and I want to know it all TODAY! I really think that I have an "eye" for what looks good. To me, it is like teaching...it just comes naturally to me. I'm scared though, that I won't be "good enough". Like teaching, I want to be really good at this. I know, that if anyone has asked me to take their pics, it's because they wanted me to do them...I didn't seek them out and that makes me feel good! I know in my mind, that this takes time. It doesn't happen over night...or even in a month. If I "experiment" and learn all I can over the next year...next summer, when I have more time...I will be much better. But, because I'm an "instant gratification" sort of gal....I stress myself out. After teaching for 23 years, I am terrified at the thought of a "new career". I guess what is the best part of this is...I can continue to do what I love the most (teach) for the next 7 years, learn a new "career" that is my passion, and when it is time for me to retire, I'll have a whole new life doing something that I love. I'm confident that I can do this....and I know that I'll have a melt down from time to time wondering what the heck was I thinking, but I need to follow my dreams.
Next week I start doing some "real" photoshoots. Kyle will be my first victim...I'm hoping that he will be patient with me. I am doing a photoshoot of Kayla and 3 of her friends and Kayla and Michael. I get to do 2 senior photoshoots with Dylan and Ben. I am very excited about both of those :) I also will get to do a newborn photoshoot for the Spangles. This one has me nervous, but excited at the same time :)
So, I'm going to approach this like I did when I first start teaching 23 years ago......I know what I am doing....I'm good at this....I have fun doing it...I'll learn along the way... :) I'm still scared and not surprised that it only took me 2 weeks before the tears came....but I'm excited to see where this will go!

Hope I win!!!!!

Photographer Cafe is giving away a $150 shopping spree today on www.iheartfaces.com! :)

The start of something good :)

Well...this summer started with me thinking...maybe I could take Kyle's senior pics. Well....I could take some of the other kid's senior pics. Well...I could experiment and take some little kid's pics and maybe some family pics. Well....2 months and a lot of inspiration later...sunflower photography was born! I now have a new camera, a Nikon d90, with different lenses, filters, and all kinds of other attachments that I'm learning how to use. I have gotten my first real "print order" with a 16 x 24 canvas wrap of Mia and Ty McGregor that is too cute for words. I have "appointments" booked for August. And.....I've started getting and making "props" to add texture and life to my shots! I am so excited to be starting this journey. I know that I have a lot to learn and am open to suggestions from anyone who wants to give them. I've been spending a lot of time looking at other photographer's websites and learning from their styles and ideas. My goal is that in 2 years, I will have a full time business in the summer and have a place to be able to do indoor shots throughout the school year on the weekends. Thanks to the support of my parents, siblings, kids, and hubby...I know I can do this!