Over the last couple of months, I’ve been considering starting up a photography business again. I tried it a few years ago, but couldn’t take the pressure: weddings (#stress) weren’t my jam, nor was simultaneously maintaining a full-time inner city teaching position and a small business. Now, though, things are a bit different. While I’m still learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, I have more time to devote to my passions. And I’ve found that one of the best parts of working for myself is that I get to spend so much time behind the lens… whether for my own blog, my friends’ blogs, or other businesses and publications.
A favorite publication to shoot for? The Everygirl. Because the Chicago-based site is down-to-earth, fun, inspirational, and practical. And run by some pretty awesome peeps.
Anyway, be sure to check out yesterday’s post, which Jess and I recently put together. It’s called “Two Ways to Wear Plaid for Fall,” and we had so much fun shooting it.
As for the photography business? I’ll report back soon. It’s September, and I feel like taking on some new endeavors! :)
It has been a real internal struggle for years – starting a photography business but for me the bottom line is that people who want photos need them taken on nights and weekends and that means giving up time with my family and that just isn’t something I am willing to do – if only I could do it when the kids are at school, then it would be something I’d love to consider. Remember you post you put up about balance…..my husband tells me I like to add way too much to my plate and make my life chaotic just when it starts to calm down.
Wait, okay. You’re totally right, haha. The post RIGHT BEFORE this was literally about how I can’t get it all done, and now I’m talking about starting a new business.
Hmmmm, Kelly. However do you get yourself in these stressful situations? ;)
Mitch and I have been talking a bit about how we’d make it different from last time. We want to do one to two shoots on weekends ONLY… and do them together. We also want to edit the photos immediately when we get home so they’re not hanging over our heads, and so that we can enjoy the rest of our weekends. And Mitch is going to handle all correspondence and scheduling, so that it doesn’t add to my usual workload.
BUT we’ll see. Watch me in two months have a total mental breakdown, haha. (Or watch this not happen at all!) Like you said, we try to take on more when life calms down. ;)
Thanks SO much for this reminder, Susan! Important to not be running at full speed ALL the time! xoxo
So glad you’re getting back into photography! Your photos are always so beautiful and clear and you definitely have a knack for it.
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
Thank you so much, Alex! You are such a sweetheart. Get your butt out to Chicago!
Great photos! I love the one of Jess crossing the street :) She’s swinging that arm back like she doesn’t have a care in the world! Love it! ~Monica
http://www.careofmon.wordpress.com
Thank you, Monica! Jess is my favorite person in the world to shoot because she’s basically a supermodel. Girlfriend has never taken a bad photo in her life. ;)
I can’t imagine doing weddings! How stressful. I know a few people who do “mini” kid sessions– just 45 minutes of shooting outdoor short sessions of families. You get up to 10 retouched images and the reprinting rights. Seems like it would be flexible and you wouldn’t have to give up your nights and weekends. Maybe you could also do dogs? You definitely have taken some great shots of Miss Noodle!
Oh my goodness. Weddings are NOT for me. I couldn’t handle the pressure, and I felt myself having mini freak outs throughout the day. What if you miss a moment, you know?! Sheesh.
Love the idea of mini kid, family and dog sessions. Thank you so much, Danielle!
xoxo
I love plaid for the fall!! I just got a new plaid skirt from Anthro that I have loved wearing! Also, good luck with the photography :)
Hunter
Prep on a Budget
I won’t let myself go into Anthropologie because I love everything, haha!
I just bought that scarf and am so in love with it. It’s actually making an appearance on the blog later this week!
Can’t wait to hear more about your business. Maybe I can hire you for some pictures when I’m in the city in December. : )
Alyssa | Glitter and Grey
Did you really?!
It’s SO cozy!!! Can’t get enough.
And I’d love to shoot you in December! (With a camera, of course. ;)
I did! Maybe we can make something work for real! I’ll be in Chicago Dec. 12-15 for a conference.
So cute! Loved this feature of you two and am excited to hear if you end up going for the photography endeavor! I think you should go for it :)
Ooh excited to see what you decide to do! :)
Good luck with the photography! Can’t wait to see what you do :)
I love this look (and photography idea). You already have some incredible photos on your blog, I think the business venture would be phenomenal. Over the last few years, I’ve gotten rid of a lot of the plaid in my closet (it reminded me of my less then stellar high school days), but I’ve been coveting so many plaid pieces for fall again. Those scarves are amazing.
Katherine || The Green Bows
Love your skirt! So fun!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
I think you should do it, your photos are always so beautiful, bright and clear.
xx. The Coastal Confidence
http://the-coastalconfidence.com/
I hope you guys do it! You seem to work so well together and your pictures literally radiate happiness.
I hear you about the stress from shooting a wedding! I’ve done one and while it went wonderfully, I’m not sure I could do that often. Chicago is such a wonderful place to be a photographer though! I look forward to hearing more about it if you decide to move forward!!
oh my gosh you def should you take some magical photos! also, i LOVE these you two are adorable!!! miss you and can’t wait to hang this week :)
Love these photos Kelly! I definitely understand the hesitation. I feel it a lot when it comes to taking the leap with my blog!
P.S. I love the Everygirl!
Meredith http://www.chicagonow.com/tinder-experiment
I just bought a scarf like that–love how you styled it!
lifestyle by joules
I love your look! But congratulations on even being about to think about starting your own business, doing what you love will be so rewarding, even if it is challenging at times! You do need to consider a balance, life isn’t fun if its all work and no play! Your photos are gorgeous, if I lived in Chicago I would hire you!
– Laura
Laura Aime Vous