Can I Do This?
From a recent elopement I photographed in Central Park. The bride is Lydia, who is a photographer as well, a fact I’ve been wrapping my heart around for weeks; a photographer hired me to shoot one of the most important days of her life. That’s something, you guys.
A very real part of being self-employed is having to force yourself to work through the parts where you don’t feel like working, which, for me, has been this entire week. There have been walls popping up all over the place for me, and even though I’m honestly working myself to the bone, it’s been frustrating. Despite every re-pinned, creatively font-ed sentiment on Pinterest saying some version of “If you show up and you do the work, you’ll be successful.” I wonder if I can actually do this. (My nervousness stems from the fact that despite a bustling August, my September is looking a little empty.)
A quick look around me at the people I am acquainted with, however, shows that making a living doing something creative and amazing is not only totally possible, it’s de rigueur in the crew I’m lucky enough to call my friends. Like Emily; she makes her living hosting brunches at midnight. So maybe this is just a bad week for me, despite it’s shining highlight: I finally cracked the front page of Google when you search for “New York City elopement photographer” and “eloping in New York City”. (I’m also pretty proud of this wedding, posted today.)
I’m ending this week feeling nervous about my career choices but still determined to slog through.
It’s got to get better, right?
Daffodil Campbell
31 Aug 12 at 2:16 am
You are already doing it, and doing it balls to the wall. So proud to be your friend, and so inspired by your success and independence. <3
Katie Jane
31 Aug 12 at 9:10 am
You can totally do this. No question. There are good weeks in this business and bad weeks, good months and bad ones. And there’s no rhyme or reason to it. Just prepare – financially – as much as possible for the dry spells, but know that it will definitely rain again soon.
Abby
31 Aug 12 at 12:40 pm
The good news is that part of doing something hard, something worth it, is being scared and grumpy and frustrated. It’s basically a required step. I have heard that gabbing over cheese and wine is a helpful step. : )
Shelly @ Twinpossible
2 Sep 12 at 8:36 am
Hi there Amber. I met you at BlogHer ’12. I’m looking forward to seeing your funny videos, as I love that kind of stuff and am eager to watch. I hope things are well. Sorry this doesn’t at all go along with this post, I just wanted to pop in while I had a rare free moment. Sorry that took a month to get, LMAO.
Great blog:)
Shelly
http://www.twinpossible.com/blog
Mary Leavines
2 Sep 12 at 6:46 pm
You can definitely do it. Everyone has moments of doubts, bouts of “what if’s.” Don’t let that stop you. Just keep at it–if anyone can succeed at doing what they love to do, it’s you. In all honesty, you’ve inspired me to do the same, because I’ve never encountered anyone who chases their dreams quite as doggedly as you do, and it’s definitely your determination that got you there.
This is very cheesy, but the best things in life are not easy to come by. You’ve got this
Cindy
3 Sep 12 at 8:44 pm
You are doing this and you are doing it well. I suspect it’s because your doing something you really love. It’s just a suspicion.
Mary Kate
4 Sep 12 at 8:32 am
Maybe crossing #58 off your life list would be a boost? It seems to be true, and a reminder that I’m working towards/living my dreams always gives me the oomph to keep pushing through the tough parts. (and ps your example of “living the dream” is quite inspiring!)
Rosy Villa
5 Sep 12 at 1:22 am
You are inspiring!