I know this cliche, kitchy, corny…whatever you want to call it. I know.

Some days, being a photographer that works from home is tough. I want to curse at the sky for having to try and get a solid 8 hrs of work in (on a good day) without getting distracted by the dog having to pee, or the laundry that’s been sitting in the dyer for an hour beeping. Most days though, I feel really blessed and lucky to be able to work from home.

There are times when I think back to what I did before I started my business full time and I can see why I wasn’t as happy in that position. When I realized photography was for me, I knew it would be a lot of work, but I never knew how much work it really could be. Back in the day when I worked all sorts of jobs (waitress, gardener of sorts, cashier, date entry etc.) I dreamed about only working for myself. Making my own hours, getting up and going to bed when I wanted, taking off when I could, and the ideas of being free….and then I started my business and realized while all of that, technically, is true, it’s not at all that simple.

Regardless of the times I want to scream or run, or the times when I tear up looking back at some wedding images I took capturing a really touching moment between a mom and a son…I realize that I would never.ever. want it any other way. This life that I have has been hard at times (really hard in certain moments), but I remember why I got into this in the first place and I think it’s important that I share to you, exactly what keeps me going.

Some simple reasons:

- I love the moments when my grooms see their brides for the first time walking down the aisle (or at a first look). They are so excited and in awe. Sometimes, the ones I don’t think would cry, are the ones that do and then of course, I get emotional because I am a sap.

- I love when I photography family sessions and the parents are telling the kids to “smile like this…no don’t smile like that…show your teeth…fix your shirt”  because no matter what they do, the parents are going to adore the photos at the end because only they know, that this, is the kid they know at home and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

- I love that I get to look back at all of these sessions and remember exactly what was said to get that smile, or that laugh, or that emotion. It’s truly a heartwarming moment that only I can share with those in the photo.

-I love that though photography is subjective, we all have 1 goal. To preserve and create the one thing that you’re gonna want in 40 years when you may have forgotten a specific time in your life. There’s nothing better.

-I love that look the bridesmaids have on their faces when their girl gets in her dress for the first time in front of them. It’s a massive ‘awe’ moment for them. Some laugh together, some cry together, some hug, some dance….no matter what they do, I am there witnessing a really special moment.

-I love the chaos of a session that sometimes happens. At weddings, it’s things not starting on time usually….for portraits it’s the fact that the weather doesn’t always cooperate and we’re running to beat the rain, or there are mosquitoes out eating us alive….but in the end….we’re all smiling and laughing.

-I love that so many photographers have different styles and different niches and it’s our differences in life’ in our careers, that make the world go ’round.

-I love that when I think about my life in the future, I still see photography. Back when I was “figuring life out” and going to college for Marine Biology- I never stuck with anything long enough. I tried Lacrosse when I was younger and sucked so I quit….same with volleyball (though, I was good at that despite my height). If something didn’t feel right, I was done with it.  Despite the criticism and subjective-ness of photography….I stuck with it because I connected with it on a different level. It was meant for me.

-I love the connections I have made through photography. Whether it’s those I went to college with, or those I have photographed and continue to photograph…..these connections are priceless and I am so grateful.

-I love that I have gotten to travel to some beautiful places for photography. I am biased, but in all seriousness, photography in your lives (family sessions, newborns, weddings)= SUPER IMPORTANT.

I could probably list several more and bore you to death, but at the end of the day, I am in love with photography. and people. and photographing people. Making my mark….somehow, is all i’ve ever wanted and I know that photo by photo, one day, i will get there. Nothing stops you when you’re in love.

Courtney and Collin-Engagement session (in process)