4 Things Wish I Knew Before Starting My Photography Business

I've been in the photography world for 12 years now...

10 of those years, I've been full time...

Looking back it's been quite a journey full of highs and lows. I did a lot right and a lot wrong and learned a ton a long the way.

Here are four things that I know now that I wish I knew when I first started my photography business.

1. Everyone Makes Mistakes....Everyone!

I wasted so much time not doing something because I feared making a mistake. And then there was a time where I actually did make a really bad investment....and again, I wasted months getting down on myself and relishing in self pity....such a waste of time.

No one ever achieves anything worthwhile without messing up along the way. Messing up makes you stronger, especially if you can quickly learn from your mistakes (and bonus: you can help others avoid the mistakes you made)

2. Everyone Gets In Their Own Way.

Sure we can blame why your business isn't growing because of all the outside circumstances we feel like we can't control. I'm not saying those don't have a role. I'm simply suggesting that everyone's (including myself) #1 hurdle to growth is our own ego, lack of focus, fear of failure, self doubt or jealousy. Success is as much of an inward job as it is an outside one.

3. Rest Is Necessary For Growth.

There was a season where I was doing all the things, barely sleeping and was certainly not taking care of myself. I thought I needed to do everything, but what I discovered was that my business became stagnant without adequate periods of rest. Rest allows you to refocus and refuel so that you can be more productive and creative.

4. Relationships Are What Matters Most.

Sure we can look at all the outward signs of a "successful" business: the large Instagram following, the beautiful destination photoshoots, the fully booked calendars, the chic studios and the high sales. But at the end of the day, people matter most. Your spouse, your children, your parents, your friends and most importantly, your relationship with God, is what determines true success.

Realizing these truths not only helped me grow my photography business, but also have helped shape me into a better version of myself, a better version of a wife and mom.

Which one of these truths did you need to hear today? Comment below and let me know!

Cheering you on!

Heather