Going Pro!
Well, I took a deep breath and I decided that I could in fact do it! I have boarded dogs for clients (who have since become very good friends) for a few years now and in order to show their family that they are being looked after and cared for, I have been photographing them. As an animal lover, dog lover and photography lover, it seemed like a perfect combo but it never went any further.
We headed into 2021 and into the third lockdown and I didn't have a direction. I had no projects in the house to get on with, the garden was sodden so I couldn't do any more out there and there wasn't much to look forward to. I was feeling a bit down and doubting everything about myself when I had a conversation with two people I've been following on Instagram for a while. Without knowing me, they offered encouragement and support and really lifted my spirits. During some quiet time alone, I started to revisit my website and wondered how I could improve it to show "the world" that I could actually take a decent photograph .. and that I did know a bit about dogs .. and that I really enjoy connecting with people .. and that I could run a successful business as a photographer. I then spent the next few days and MANY hours completely re-doing my very boring website and researching products I could offer (photo books etc) and generally getting very excited about launching a new Insta page all about my photography.
My eyes went very screwy from sitting in front of my desktop pc for so long, my head ached a bit and my excitement and enthusiasm for my new venture grew stronger and stronger. I looked at loads of other photographers' websites .. not to copy, but to learn .. and my self confidence started to grow. I now have a website I am proud to have created by myself (technical dinosaur that I am!) and a social media feed dedicated to my business alongside my general feed where I can still show my other photography loves .. wildlife and landscapes. I am looking forward to a year of building my business, my confidence and my ability. It's not a high earning career when you consider the time and effort photographers give to each and every photo shoot but I don't think that's my point. My point is to push myself out of my comfort zone so I can grow and learn .. always learn and improve. And to take beautiful photographs of other peoples' beloved dogs to help them create memories that will live on for many, many years. My point is to share my skill with others .. and all this because of two very kind and generous ladies. Deborah and Aislinn, thank you so very very much xx
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