Taking the Plunge to Full-time

A shot from Naveel + Keith’s beautiful Pakistani wedding.

For the past four years, I’ve juggled various full-time editorial positions while pursuing a photography career during my free time. While employment has provided a source of creativity, stability, and life-long friendships, nothing makes me happier than the sound of a shutter (dog GIFS are a close second).

The bride and groom on the dance floor at one of my favorite venues, the Magic Gardens.

However, finding the balance between a full-time job and being a professional photographer was wearing on me. Despite priding myself on my time management and organization, I was burned out from working non-stop on my business during my off-hours. Responding to email inquiries, revamping my branding and marketing materials, writing copy for my website redesign (thanks to my husband, Pete!), preparing documentation for taxes, processing photos, drafting blog posts, updating social media…the list goes on and on.

I had to learn to say no, by turning down sessions that would take away from my processing workflow. Friday weddings were off the table (unless I wanted to use vacation time) and the inquiries kept coming in.

In the back of my head, I always knew I’d pursue photography full-time “some day.” When clients asked why I didn’t do photography full-time, I’d answer by focusing on the risks involved, because quite honestly, I was scared. Still, I was left daydreaming of the day that I could work for myself. After long talks with Pete, I was encouraged to make the commitment to stop dreaming about the idea and put it into action.

It wasn’t as easy as that, though. Running your own business means looking closely at your pricing, but also sitting down and examining how much it costs you to live each year. (*Note to photographers: This is a helpful podcast if you are thinking of making the transition to full-time.) Mortgage, car insurance, business expenses, groceries, health insurance, etc. We (ahem, Pete) created a spreadsheet and worked out a detailed budget as a jumping-off point.

“Running your own business means looking closely at your pricing, but also sitting down and examining how much it costs you to live each year.”

After careful consideration, I handed in my two-weeks notice at my job at Generocity.org, where I’ve been working as Content Manager for over year. I love working in the city, focusing on highlighting the good things being done by the community. Saying goodbye to that part of my life isn’t easy, but everyone has been supportive and understanding about my decision.

Still, it hasn’t quite hit me yet. I have two more weeks of waking up at 6:30am, riding the train an hour both ways, and working in an office alongside amazing people. But life is about to change drastically.

6-month-old Asher had me swooning at his cuteness last summer.

Soon, I’ll be throwing myself into networking, improving my business, building an audience, and meeting new clients. I’m excited for the personal growth that comes with having some flexibility. Going to the gym every morning, having time to make lunch instead of packing a frozen meal, and spending time with our dogs — including Betty White — who suffers from major separation anxiety.

A great deal of this transition is owed to those who have supported and encouraged me along the way, but especially Pete, who gave me the nudge I needed to make the leap. I’m really grateful to have a partner who supports me and is confident in my decision, since self-employment is no doubt a bit scary.

I’m also really lucky to have a network of local photographers who are always letting me pick their brain, and vice versa. Second shooting and forming relationships with local vendors has been invaluable for refining my style and my overall professional development.

I look forward to sharing more on the blog here, so brace yourself for more frequent posts.

If you’re interested in setting up a shoot, please reach out with any questions. Thanks for visiting!