psychologyforphotographers.com » Psychology for Photographers

I am Zoe – and live in Switzerland

I have a business, mainly specialising in portraits and have been going a few years

my biggest challenge – to nail lighting for commercial shots!
Zoe recently posted..Leaving Party

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Jenika Reply:
June 5th, 2013 at 4:33 pm

I LOVE SWITZERLAND. Actually hoping to BE there later this year! Thumbs up for commercial lighting…you can do it!

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Wait, what were the questions? Haha.

Hang on…
Aha! Ok, we’re back on track.
Hi! I’m Amaris and my home base is Raleigh, NC, though I’m on the road/plane/boat about fifty percent of the year. This year, you’ll find me in Minnesota, Chicago, Nashville, Baltimore/DC, London, Prague, and Italy! True story.

I love to wander. And was able to go full-time with my business, Amaris Photography, to both help satisfy that love while capturing portraits of my second love–people. It’s true. I have a sincere addiction to their lives and stories and figuring out how to make them laugh ’til they cry.

It’s got hard days, for sure, but the end result and happy clients makes the whole thing worth it.

Thank you for everything you do through this site – it’s so so helpful and really helps me to feel less alone in this thang.

Yay for de-lurking!
xoxo

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Jenika Reply:
June 5th, 2013 at 4:42 pm

Um yeah, when it comes to the internet, I basically have the attention span of a goldfish, so your comment cracked me up.

GAH, your wanderings sound amazing, Amaris! I love to wander, too! And it’s a pleasure to hear that I’ve helped anyone feel less alone…we’re all in this together as far as I’m concerned. Thanks for de-lurking! I hope to see you again!

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I’m Chrissey. I’m a Native Texan currently living south of Seattle, Washington. I own Creations by Chrissey Photography and have been doing kids & family portraits for about two years now. I love it!!

My biggest goal at the moment is to just keep the momentum with my business going. Nurture it and watch it grow.
Chrissey recently posted..Sensual Imagery

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Jenika Reply:
June 5th, 2013 at 4:40 pm

Thanks for de-lurking, Chrissey! Pleasure to meet you!

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Hey Jenika, we sort of already met when I shared my new website with you after I devoured Irresistible Website. Your blog is amazing. In fact, I’m part of a weekly referral group and I’m in charge of education day and I’ve totally used concepts in your blog to teach some lessons in business. It’s been so fun sharing some of the psychology behind why we do what we do. So again, thank you for everything! You rock. – Topher

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Jenika Reply:
June 5th, 2013 at 4:39 pm

no, YOU rock. Thanks Topher! I love seeing you around here.

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I commented before, Jenika, but I’ll introduce myself again! I’m Terri Hughes of Simply Human Pictures in Norfolk, VA. I photograph the love and connection of little people and their big people. My goal I’m currently working on is saving money to hire someone to paint the outside of my almost 100 year old home!

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Hi there!! I’m Janet, I’ve ha my own photography business for about 4 years. I specialize in children, families, and weddings. I also work full time in the human services field and have a family, so balancing it all is my current challenge. I am based out of Pennsylvania but originally from Brazil and Portugal looking forward to interacting more with all of you

https://m.facebook.com/PixOlogyPhotography?id=160115902762&_rdr

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Hi, my name is Julie. I live in the Palm Springs, CA area. I have a business and am currently doing a bit of everything. I would like to specialize in newborn, children, and senior photography though. I also am interested in expanding to glamour for ladies in their late 40′s to early 60′s. These are the ladies who generally hate what they look like in pictures which is a shame! My biggest challenge is on confidence and general business acumen. I am also a homeschool mom of a 7th grader and a 3 year old. Life is super busy and challenging on it’s own most days.

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Hi everyone!!! I am currently living/photographing in Laredo,TX… my main focus is Wedding/Bridal/Boudior, but I also do Engagements & Families. My goals for this year are to continue working towards mastery, shoot more of what I love, get published with more frequency, & grow the numbers in my business. My BIGGEST GOAL at the moment is to book 25 weddings, 50 Boudior shoots, & 50 other individual shoots within the next 12 months.

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Tyler Rippel – I live in NE Ohio.
I just started my photography business this year and booked 4 of my own weddings in just a few months. Love shooting people, love shooting wide open fast primes. My goal is to book 8 or more weddings for 2014.
Tyler Rippel recently posted..Engagement, Family – Dover, New Phila. OH Photographer

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Jenika Reply:
June 5th, 2013 at 4:49 pm

you rock those bookings, Tyler! thanks for de-lurking!

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Hi there! I’ve been a lurker for a long time! I bought From Portfolio to Search Engine earlier this year and LOVE LOVE LOVE it (I’m still working on finishing it up – apparently writing like that takes some serious focus! )!!! I am in Provo, Utah and love Birth and Newborn Photography (and do a little of everything else when I have to). I think my biggest goal right now is to get my husband through his last year of school AND move over to exclusively shooting birth stories with an occasional newborn and NOTHING else except my family.

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Hi there! I was just introduced to your site a few weeks ago by a colleague of my husbands. I live in a little town outside of Philadelphia and I’ve been photographing “professionally” for a little over a year. My focus is family and newborns, although I would love to build my senior clientele. Since I’m new to the business my goal is to actually make a profit I’ve been doing a lot of portfolio building and am having a hard time transitioning to paying clients. Thanks so much for your insight and tips – I really appreciate it!

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Hi there!

My name is Emilia Venegas and I was born and live in Portoviejo, Ecuador, in South America. I graduated as an Engineer in Graphic Design last year. I started my photography business 2 years ago, just because someone was so excited about my photography that was actually willing to pay me for them. I loved that and never look back. I don’t think I’ve specialized on anything yet, but certainly run away from events, love shooting couples, families, pregnancies, kids and girls (kinda seniors style but for every age). Been trying weddings to see if that’s something I would like to do, so far they are to stressful for me, but I’m still willing to do them.

My biggest goal this year splits in two: getting more clients (wich has been working pretty well so far) and trying to save money for a camera upgrade (I suck terribly at saving money can you write something on that subject, I will be forever grateful) so far I won’t be able to pay for a cheap lens… help!

I discovered your blog this year and I love it! Lots of aha moments.

Well, I have officially de-lurked. Un abrazo desde Ecuador (Means a hug from Ecuador )

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I am from the Netherlands and as long as I can remember I have loved shooting ‘every day moments / dalily life’ of my family and things around me. This is also the way I like to photograph others.
I am in between ‘trying to start a business’; ‘not doing it for business’. But your P4P usually keeps me on the rails.

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I have a Wedding and Family portrait photography business in Vancouver, BC.
I went through a rough time in the business about a year ago, and reading blogs like yours taught me I wasn’t alone, and that I could keep calm and carry on!
Right now I’m working towards bringing on my second photographer as a business partner and expand the business from there.

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Can I delurk if I’m not a pro photographer?!

I’m Kate Anderson, I design albums in Minnesota for local and international photographers. I love Jenika’s posts because I sometimes point some of my clients here to help them answer their questions. And I’ve gotten some great ideas and insight for my own business too here. I am learning photography, but intend to only get into as a hobby, shooting nature and landscapes and stuff.

My biggest goal right now is to grow the business enough to replace my modest minimum wage income so I can work from home and not drive a long distance every night. Last year I cleared my first goal of pulling in $10k, so I finished out the year breaking even after spending a boatload for a website and brand. That made me happy, and my husband too! With some hard work and a little luck, this time next year I’ll be full time at home!

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50 year old wife and mother of 5. Left my careers of the past about 3 years ago to focus on my photography obsession. Worked in graphics since college and spent a brief 5 years in health care in maternity.
Have a growing photography business where I have begun to specialize in Seniors and families. Work both on location and studio.

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Well Howdy,
I am Jennifer from the great state of Texas!! I try not to lurk, and have commented a few times but you know I love ya gal.

I am a Canon/Prime lens girl who would love to shoot only equine, or people and their equine friends. My business is coming along okay, but I am in no rush as I still have three kiddos at home who need their mom!

One goal of mine is to get more knowledgeable on horse breeds and what makes each one shine so I can shoot them with an eye that knows. In the meantime, I will shoot the ones that are available to me, and stretch and grow along the way.

Thank you so much for filling this unique niche in my photography life, it is needed and super cool.
Jennifer
JD Waterhouse Photography
Jennifer recently posted..Passing Time

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My name is Megan and I live in Wisconsin. I like photographing people mainly (families, couples, seniors, etc). I do not have an official business but once I am done with college I may want to pursue it more seriously. I am following this blog as part of a school project in which I need to follow blogs in a field I am interested in. My biggest goal is to finish my degree (I am in my 20s and working full time and pursuing my bachelors).

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Hi! I’m Lyndsay and I live in Nova Scotia, Canada. I’ve had my photography business since 2009 and I mainly shoot families and small weddings.

My goal for this year is to FINALLY take control of the “business” side of my business, organize my finances and develop a marketing plan

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I really enjoy your blog and wanted to say hello! I am a portrait and wedding photographer in South Louisiana.

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Jenika Reply:
June 5th, 2013 at 6:17 pm

Hello Hannah! Thanks for saying hello!

I went to NOLA two summers ago and loved it…..mostly just walking around with my camera. Wish I’d gotten outside of the city more, what a beautiful part of the country.

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Hi Jenika!

My name is Lindsay and I live in Raleigh, NC. I am in the process of transitioning from shooting EVERYTHING to just shooting lifestyle newborn and family sessions. The biggest goal I’m working on is preparing for my first baby. Ummm… no nursery yet and she’s due in about 6 weeks. Eeek!

My second biggest goal is trying to figure out how to get my clients to talk about me the right way. I feel like when I say I’m a photographer, people have a pre-conceived notion of what that entails. I want to use and give them the right words to convey my brand when talking to potential clients and when they speak to their friends.

Thank you for all that you do. I love reading your insights and thoughts on this blog

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Hello Jenika and fellow de-lurkers! My name is Amy and I’m a child and family portrait photographer located in Chicago. I have my own business that currently is run in my spare time. My goal is to get my spare time back and start doing photography full time in place of my current 9 to 5.

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1) Dale and Jill Lempa, currently living in Cary, NC (just outside of Raleigh).
2) We shoot mostly engagements and weddings, although we also do individual and family portraits, and events.
3) Our biggest goal right now is marketing to reach more clients.
Thank you, we really appreciate your blog for helpful insights. I have already referenced it several times in discussions.

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Hi! I’m Ashley, I’m located in the sunny state of Florida (the north part) I’m on a photography journey, I’ve had cameras for most of my life and have just recently made the official jump to manual shooting. I felt like I could no longer be a fraud. I *Love* taking photos of things that people drive by a thousand times and never notice. I want to notice the world around me, not just exist in it.
My biggest goal right now is to believe in myself and my ability. I struggle with insecurity and with interacting with strangers. This is a BIG hurdle for me to get over if I want to start my own photography business.

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Whitney – still in my first year and desperate to shoot ANYTHING that I can. I’ve officially stopped offering free shoots for my porfolio and for the last 4-6 months its been crickets. Too many other photogs here in Utah to compete with – but it’s what I love. If I could specialize in weddings and seniors, my life would be complete!

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Hello!

My name is Megan, and I’m a lurker in Kansas City.

I had plans to be a photographer going into college, but let myself get talked out of it (by a photojournalist I job shadowed. What a grump). I still stuck with doing photography for fun, managed to still wind up with a BA in studio art, talked myself out of photography again, then got a Masters in Social Work. Well, here I am 3 years later, and I’ve finally officially started my business as of this year. My goal is to eventually transition out of my full-time social work job, and transition over to photography. I’m just working on building a client base, and just had my first in person sales session last month (it was exciting). Right now I have mainly shot newborns, children, families, maternity, and couples. I’d really like to start photographing seniors, so that’s another goal!

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Hi, my name is Addie… Im a photographer in MS. I shoot weddings and portraits, primarily families with small children. I would love to do more offbeat weddings and families – thats my real niche, and Im always looking for something out of the box. Id also love to book enough so that it could be my main job instead of my second job.

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Hi I’m Shauna, I live in Saskatchewan, Canada. I shoot “family” photography but I sorta made my own term that means everything from pregnancy to seniors and everything in between including actual families and just couples. I also am learning glamour.

Truthfully I’m new and learning lots every day. I do have a small business but am taking an unofficial break until late fall when my husband is done his apprenticeship and has his journeyman’s ticket.

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Jenika Reply:
June 5th, 2013 at 7:41 pm

Shauna! I was just in Saskatchewan this past March, speaking at a PPOC event. It was so fun, and the photographers there are genius! nice to meet you! Way to keep learning and growing while you’re taking a break. xo

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Alright, I’ll de-lurk, but only because you asked nicely!

Beth Wendland, proudly shooting in the beautiful Northwest near Portland, Oregon!
Number 2 and 3 are all mushed together right now. A little over a month ago I decided to stop shooting everything. I went into business so that (in part) I could have some control over my life, but instead, my photography was controlling me. So right now, I am in the middle of purging everything from my website and FB page that isn’t what I want to shoot. Makin’ big changes baby!

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Debbie – from Monmouthshire, UK.
I have shot mountain bike races, but want to move into fine art photography and environmental portraits.
Currently half way through a Foundation Degree in Digital Photography – hope to complete it next year and move on into the final year of an interesting photography degree straight after that.

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Wow – what a great idea. My name is Wani and I’m based in Lagos, Nigeria. I am in my first year of my wedding and portrait photography business. Biggest challenge is finding clients who value my work and want to pay me what I think I’m worth. Love your stuff – been following you for about 2 years now but definitely a lurker – lol.

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Hello folks!

I’m April all the way in sunny Kansas.

My photography is really a balance of stylized shoots and art series for my own personal enjoyment. I’m the owner of both Aprilthoughts Photography and Raising Nerds, two separate entities that I’ve slaved through since their conception in 2007. My goal ATM is to continue working and building up regular bookings for Aprilthoughts, and publish a book series I’ve been working on.

Love love love this blog! It married two of my favorite passions-psychology and photography, with such sass, I never think twice about opening the blog post when it hits my inbox!

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Hi,

Definitely a lurker here, but happy to have the opportunity to come out of my shell for a minute! My name is Wendy Kovac and I am a maternity / newborn photographer in Myrtle Beach, SC. I get so excited when I see your blog posts come to my inbox. I have to drop everything and sit down and read them immediately! Thanks so much for all the helpful advise and inspiration! XOXO

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Hi everyone, I am Elvira and from Ontario, Canada

I mainly focus on families and kids, with some couples as well. I am trying to build my portfolio right now.
My biggest goal is to get jobs, as well as improve on my photography skills.

Love the site and this is a great way to introduce ourselves!

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My name is Natalie and I shoot mostly newborn, babies and children. I live in South Carolina. My biggest challenge right now is studio lighting, I am mostly doing outdoor sessions (or indoor with natural light for newborns)cause I am too scared to even attempt the studio lighting! But I plan to tackle it this year!!

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Hi there! A few years ago I received my master’s in clinical psychology and have been working as a mental health counselor. BUT I recently decided what would make me happy is to take pictures all the time. So here I am. Working on my first year of photography- website about to be published- and crossing my fingers it takes off!! I mainly stick to family portraits and weddings.

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My name is Sonja… I have been shooting on and off for years… of which about 9 were and still are professionally and my full source of income. I currently live in the northern part of Florida on the Gulf Coast.
My biggest challenge/goal is to transition from the majority of my business being in wedding photography (previously I was a photojournalist for 5 years in the news industry) to fine art boudoir photography, travel and hopefully work that makes a difference in the world.
Here is the link to my business facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonja-Revells-Photography/113350185377923?ref=tn_tnmn

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Hi there!
My name is Alice and I’m from Milan, Italy.
I shoot with Nikon and have been a reporter for a while now, even if I like to do every kind of photography job.

I’m currently working on opening a portrait business (I’m especially interested in children) and your blog is being very helpful!!

Alice

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what a brilliant idea.

i’m jenny morgan and i live in san francisco. the best city ever.

i’ve been a photog business owner for about a year. still learning. always will be. i do portraits (children and families mostly). i am in love with shooting families in their home, capturing authentic beautiful moments.

biggest goal(s): getting more involved with the photography community in my area. continuing to define my “style.” feeling confident about my pricing and what i offer my clients. and figuring out how to use my photography to travel the world. <— my dream.

thank you for inspiring me. all. the. time.

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Allison from Richmond, V-A… long time reader, long time commenter. I’m at the edge of a precipice here in regards to my business. I’m being laid off from my full-time job, and I have to decide if I dare to go full time with my business, or pick up something else with the state (I’m a state employee). Considering I have had 1 paying client this year (I did a giveaway as well), I’m really fearful about going full time. My goal is to come to a decision I won’t regret, that won’t put my family’s finances in danger. I have a month to decide.
Hope all is well with you!
Allison recently posted..Loss And A Restoration

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I’ll introduce myself using the last two lines of my bio:
For those of you I’ve worked with, you will know that I aspire to produce greatness for my clients, or die trying!

For those of you who do not yet know me, my name is Craig Ashley Russell, and if you’ll indulge me… I want to make you famous.

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Hi! I’m Anna and I’m in Brisbane, Australia. I have a wedding and portrait business and right now I’m working on booking more weddings for 2014. I’d like to have more consistent work and have it with the particular type of client I’m looking for – creative, feminine, dreamy:)

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Hi, I’m Vanessa and I own Sweet Pickles Photography in Sonoma County, California. I was a wedding photographer for 6 years and worked in an emergency room (those two things go together, right?!), then I was a fly fishing guide for 7 years with no photo business (but lots of photos!). Now I am out of the river and back behind the camera doing newborns (my favorite), kids and families, a little bit of corporate stuff, and just trying to figure out how to actually support myself and my 3 year old daughter doing photography full time! I’m a total lurker (sorry…but I love your stuff and have been following since your first month!), and a dreamer about what my life and business could look like if I finally got all the right pieces in place! I love people and I love to teach and encourage and motivate people to live their dreams, even if they are crazy/scary/unconventional. Okay, I’m done. Thanks!!
http://www.sweetpicklephotos.com/blog/

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Hello! My name is Katie and I live in northern Nevada.
I photograph just about anything that catches my eye.
At the moment I am selling stock photography and working
on my blog and wondering where I should go with it all.

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What a great idea!

Hi! *waves* I’m Emma, I’m 21 and I’m based in Australia. I officially registered my business this year and have been LOVING it so far! I shoot mainly family/couple/engagement portraits but in August I am shooting my first wedding and couldn’t be more excited My main goal at the moment is marketing – since my business is still in the ‘baby’ stage. So I’ve been working on branding and marketing tactics and things like that!
Emma recently posted..Holding quiet and still

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Hello!
I am a photographer that just graduated from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. I am taking my first real summer as an “adult” and living near Denali, Alaska working at a photo studio and doing my own photography in my free time. I don’t really know where I am going but I love bringing people along in my travels through sharing my photographs. I really would like to sell my work but I haven’t had the time to find the best way to do so. I do occasional sessions but I am not confident enough yet – reading the blog has helped me with understand how people think, thank you!
-Jenni (www.jennikowal.com)

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Hi, I’m Tracey from Christchurch, New Zealand.
I have been taking photos since high school (eeekkk that’s 24 years since i discovered photography). I must admit that I fall in and out of love with photography quite often. I have an ideal in my head that i just can’t reach, so i get frustrated and walk away for a time. I am just putting together my final portfolio for an online course The Photography Institute.
I love capturing anything really but especially landscapes, gritty and moody, wide open and minimal.
i don’t have a business but I do want to move in that direction of portraits and landscape.
love you site, thanks for doing what you do!
Trace

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Hi Jenika! I absolutely love your blog, I found it on Pinterest!
I am an equine photographer living in Colorado and I photograph wild and domestic horses, and I am a wild horse advocate. I have had my business for 13 years, and am working on my 3rd book.
http://www.LivingImagesCJW.com is my photography website
http://www.WildHoofbeats.com is my wild horse website.

Carol, AKA
No Longer Lurking
Carol Walker recently posted..Carol Walker Presents at Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in Denver March 8-10

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I’m Allison, and I just moved to San Diego, CA. I’m a full-time pet photographer, and since I relocated here just last week, I’m trying to re-establish my business all over again! (eek!) Thanks for an awesome blog Jenika!

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Stephanie Goryl – Wakefield, MA
Babies, kiddos, and families are what I love. My big goal this year – to establish my pro print products with my clients (just switched from shoot-n-burn).

Love all of the advice on here! Thank you so much.
Stephanie Goryl recently posted..And (another) baby makes four

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I live in Ottawa, Canada. I studied photography in the 1970s and did portraits and some commercial for a few years, Moved into writing news releases and PR for many years. Now I teach photography at high school and plan to start a part time photo business on the side and during my summers.

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Hi Jenika!
I’ve commented like once before, go me!
My name is Asia Croson and I am in San Luis Obispo, CAlifornia, which Oprah has dubbed the happiest place in America! We are pretty happy!
I shoot everything except newborns right now, but am trimming down to focus on college senior portraits. Really trying to make it a thing here on the central coast! I have only been in business since October, and just recently moved it from my studio apartment into an office and hired two assistants! My goal is to continue to grow and be more involved in my community and be recognizable to college faces!

Thanks for the de-lurk

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Hi Jenika!

I’m Tyler and I’m a portrait and advertising photographer based in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Advertising pays the bills, but my love is portraiture. Today I shot someone who told me she wasn’t photogenic. Thirty minutes into the session, her mind had been changed. I’ve seen my work bring grown men to tears and change the way people walk. It’s my own way of changing the world, just a tiny bit.

I also want to travel the country (and eventually the world) shooting travel stories for magazines. I hope to circumnavigate the USA by train this winter (for under $700!)

Finally, I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your post about trading sessions with another photographer. I haven’t found anyone in Massachusetts yet but I’m still trying! If you’re ever in the area, I’d love to trade with you!

Keep up the wonderful work! I always love reading your work and finding ways to apply what you teach to my own business and life.

Cheers!

Tyler

PS: Here’s my Facebook page, as requested:
https://www.facebook.com/tylertrahanphotography
Tyler recently posted..“If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough”

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My name is Barbie. I live in Portland, OR and grew up in Portland, ME. My dear aunt passed away last year and left me a little money. I decided to invest it in a nicer camera. I bought a Nikon d3200. I have a Tamron 18-270 lens that I shoot everything with. I’m on a tight budget! I have another “day job” and I’m mostly doing family photos and weddings right now, as I build my business up. I’m super scared of developing a website. I have one that isn’t current that someone else set up for me, but mostly post to my FB page because its so much easier. I know this is a no no but I need to take a class I think! I love getting your emails, so thought provoking

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Hi Jenika,

I’m Coralie Sneddon. I shoot mainly lifestyle portraits here in Moscow, Russia where we’ve been living for just over 4 years.

My biggest goal right now is getting a personal project finalised. I went home to New Zealand for just over a month to capture all things charming and quirky … using just my iPhone.

I have two little girls under 5, so not as many hours in the day as I’d like…. My business is just getting started really.

Have a great de-lurking day – awesome idea by the way

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Hi Jenika,
I’m Craig, a photographer focusing on equine and wedding photography in Sussex, England, and I adore natural light.
My biggest challenge at moment is to grow my at liberty photos of horses enjoying themselves in their natural environment. It’s a very rewarding challenge it must be said!! Also I’m about to embark on a website redesign.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, I have been following your page since the new year and have found your words thought provoking and extremely positive.
All the best,
Craig.

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Hi there! My name is Cassie and I shoot weddings/bridals/engagements, family, baby, and senior portraits, as well as missions trips/travel. I’m from Central Texas but I’m currently living in Ukraine! I have had my own business since 2009. It’s been such a joy.

My biggest goal is honestly getting more organized and seeing myself as a “good” photographer. It started off as a favor and has developed into something I can’t see myself living without. I still believe that it’s a hobby deep down and my organization and the way I run my business looks like a hobby. I’ve been making steps in the past month to get “serious” about it and hopefully will be able to do so by the end of summer.

I’m definitely a lurker and am grateful for the opportunity to dialogue a little bit! I love this page and the posts have been most encouraging and insightful. Thanks for everything!

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Hi, I’m Melissa from Greenville, SC. I photograph mainly newborns and maternity with some lifestyle family. And I’m trying so hard to convince pregnant friends that to let me shoot their births so I can break into birth photography. I write about finding beauty in the everyday mess.

I’m a lurker here because, except for the early mornings, I don’t have 39 seconds it takes o comment. I’m also wearing the stay at home mommy hat to three 3and under.

Thanks for encouraging me on my journey!

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Long time lurker! I have to say, this is my favorite subscription on my Feedly! Thanks so much for all you do for all of us.

I am a wedding and portrait photographer from Texas. My biggest goal right now is a little different than my usual business goals: I want to take the steps to be able to spend one extra day a week not working or shooting, but spending it with my small son.

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Hi I’m Kate, I live near Atlanta, GA. I’m a wedding photographer and I am slowly growing my business. My goal is to get myself out there and moving. I get so wrapped up in my computer and office stuff but I know I am not going to meet clients in my home office (in my PJs). I want to come up with ways to get social and market…. I can sometimes be quiet in social settings …. But no more! Today I De-Lurk!!

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I am Mark Bradford and my wife, Jo, and I run a business in Berkshire, England. We are primarily Wedding Photographers but do a bit of other stuff.

My biggest challenge? Marketing as usual. I not only want more but more of “the right type” although I haven’t defined what that is yet. After going full-time 5 years ago and struggling I have taken full-time employment again working photography on the side. it’s liberating not to lay awake at night worrying about money so my main goal is to balance work (photography and other) with my life as a whole

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Aha – had a good giggle to myself reading this (from my inbox). I am as lurky as you can get – I do read your blog religiously but I’ve never commented before.
So – I’m Caitlin McColl from Melbourne, Australia. I run my own pet photography business (Ragamuffin Pet Photography) and my biggest goal is to grow my business to be sustainable as a full-time business (at the moment I have to shoot kindergarten photography to pay the bills).

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I photograph dogs in Dallas and NYC. Great blog!

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Hey Jenika!

My name is Janine. I’m a photographer based out of Lynchburg, VA. Right now I’m a generalist! I know that I would like to specialize but I guess I’m just trying to find out what I enjoy shooting best that way I can narrow it down! I work full time and do this as a second job. I’m kind of using this time to determine as well how I like the business side of photography or if I could to figure out if I would want to make this my full time profession! My biggest goal right now is to get my workflow down so that I can make my life with two jobs more efficient! I love your blog and you always make everything so clear!

Thanks,

Janine
Janine A. Enold recently posted..PERSONAL | It’s a special day for some special people!

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I’m Justin in heart of Atlanta.

I shoot some portraits and events (and landscapes, and street photog, and so on. I am slowly narrowing the niche).

I want to do photography at least as a part time business.

My biggest goal right now is to sell some of my photography. I will be in a community show in August, so we’ll see what happens.

I just found and am enjoying your blog!

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Jenika,

Hi. My name is Barb Kellogg and I’m a lurker.

I’m from central Minnesota. I photograph nature, pet portraits, and am currently honing my people portrait skills (kids, families, individuals). Yes I have a business, and even though I knew self employment would be difficult, wow, it’s a learning curve all on it’s own! My biggest goal is to work on “getting myself out there” – I just dread self promotion. I know I’m not alone. But it’s still hard. But I’m working on it. Baby steps.

Thanks for the prompt to leave you a comment! Love your blog.

~Barb

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I’m Marie, just outside London (the England one) and I shoot children and families (and will always find saying that slightly amusing in a childish way). The biggest goal I’m working on right now is juggling because I keep getting extra plates to spin. Or is that mixing metaphors? Bah.

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Strictly speaking, I do not “lurk” since I only read your posts in-email. But I thought I would come on over and say hi anyway.

I’m Michelle McDaid and I’m located in the currently blisteringly hot Sacramento area. I shoot mainly families and young children through my business, Memories by Michelle Photography. (www.mbymphotos.com)

My biggest goal I’m working towards right now is executing a pretty unique idea i have to blend my photography and writing skills, to do something really different in the realm of family photography which, IMHO, has become a bit uninspiring lately. (With some notable exceptions.) It’s going to be an iterative process, however, to get there. Excited but impatient!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your posts. Never fail to read them and always get something valuable out of them. Keep going!
Michelle McDaid recently posted..The Joy Journal: Month 2

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I’m jenny from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Love reading this blog! I’m not a business person at all and this blog really helps me out. I love photographing children but I mostly do families. My business is pretty small at this point. I had some big goals set for this summer but because of personal reasons my business is going to have to take a backseat. But I’m not in a hurry and I’m staying busy with the shoots I have so I guess I’ll just have to be patient.

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I’m totally a lurker! No more of that!

My husband Jordan and I run JAM Photography, LLC in Chapel Hill, NC

We’ve shot a little bit of everything, but our main focus is now families. Especially everyday/lifestyle stuff shot at a family’s home.

I’ve been full-time since 2009 (after shooting three years part time) with Jordan helping me out on evenings and weekends. We have a baby boy due in August this year, and are taking a little hiatus to spend time with him and refocus on shooting what we really love. I get a little more burned out at the beginning of each year, but this year’s been the worst. I’m hoping time off with my little man and his daddy will help me refocus. And I’ll have a new test subject while learning to shoot film!

Thanks for encouraging us to de-lurk…I always feel like such a creeper when I don’t comment or get involved!

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Hello from a Minneapolis lurker! Thanks for posting – I’ve been reading for probably almost a year now, and your posts tend to be the one I bookmark most

I shoot mostly weddings and couples, with a small handful of family and headshot sessions here and there for good measure. Right now my biggest goal is to just find BALANCE. I work full time in addition to managing my business, and volunteer for several other organizations, so needless to say it’s a little busy!

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I’m Brooke Schultz, Utah wedding photographer working toward making my photographs more intentional and artful. I’m thankful for your call to do this today, because it’s been one of those days where I retreat into myself and hate all of my photos and swirl into blahhh land–thanks for lifting me today with connection.
Brooke Schultz recently posted..Kaitlyn + Tyler: Provo Bridals

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Dawn Aiello Reply:
June 7th, 2013 at 1:50 am

Brooke, your work is beautiful!

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Hi from Morgana in Australia.

I am a photographer/retoucher, creating cinematic portraits. As a new business, my goal is to grow and share the work that I love so much.

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Hi Jenika. My name is Alanna. I am a newly graduated Nurse Practitioner with many years of PICU RN experience living in Southern California. I picked up photography in lieu of painting as a way of continuing to be creative even when extremely busy! Now I am formally starting an LLC as alannarene photography. I am mostly doing family and child photography but I’d love to do more weddings and some contests. It has been a crazy adventure! I found your blog TODAY and am excited to subscribe and read. I’ll head over to FB too. Thanks for the inspiring blog!

facebook.com/alannarenephotography
alannarene.blogspot.com
@alannarenephoto
Alanna Rowley recently posted..Red Rockin’ Anniversary Weekend

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Hey Jenika, Im Ali Peterson of Skyy Blue Photography. I’ve commented more than a few times on your blog because it’s just that good! My specialty is pet photography…and cleaning up after 3 dogs & a husband. I’m a San Diego native, temporarily living in Colorado Springs, with plans to move back to SD within a year. My biggest goal right now is keeping my sanity while trying to book clients with minimal marketing (since the whole relocating thing makes things a bit difficult). Your posts always leave me thinking seriously about my business and my life. Thanks!
Ali Peterson recently posted..Pet Portrait Session :: Louie & Oliver

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I guess it’s time to de-lurk as well… My name is Josh Jones, I’m a wedding photographer based in Greenville, SC. Right now my biggest goal is launching my new brand and website.

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Hi Jenika!
I’ve only been reading a few months so this is a special holiday for the both of us! My name is Asashia and I’m located in Maryland. My photography business is 3 years new and you’re helping me learn everything I need to know. I mainly shoot portraits for children and families and love it! My biggest goal is learning how to market my business in a way that is authentic and attracts the people I love working with—all without spending a lot of money…because I’m not making a lot yet!
Thanks for all that you do to help our industry, it is greatly appreciated!

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Hi, I’m in Lancashire in the UK. Got a wedding photography business and looking to expand into portraits!

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My name is Editha Schoeffler and I’m located in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA.

I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III and I’m still learning how to use it. I’m new in the photography business. I love to shoot little children, families and high school seniors. I want to eventually shoot weddings, but I know how much work in takes to shoot one. I would like to work with a mentor one day. It’s just finding one to work with. I don’t know how to go about doing that.

I have a lot of goals and one of them is to be able to just work with my photography business. I also have a full time job working as an land person doing research for oil and gas properties. One day, I would just like to have photography as my only job. It’s my passion! Of course all photographers say the same thing that it’s their passion and I get that. It’s the one thing that all people want to do is have a job that they totally love and is their passion. One day is a great possibility.

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Hi, I’m Fabienne, I live in New Jersey and I’ve been shooting a little here and there on a canon rebel t2 but just recently upgraded to a Nikon D600. I am teaching myself to shoot professionally by reading blogs and practicing with friends and fellow enthusiasts. I love doing portraits and hope to second shoot or assist with events. I’m a professional graphic designer but I’m entertaining the thought of transitioning to photography once I learn all the ropes.

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Hey Jenika! I’m a few days late…I’m Martina Wendland from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. I shoot lifestyle weddings & extended families. My biggest goal is finding the elusive work-life balance, as well as focusing my attention on gratitude. Thank you for your awesome blog and amazing information. You rock!
Martina recently posted..What to Wear | 4 | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

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>1) Your name and whereabouts you’re located.

Hi! My name is Arved, and I’m a newcomer to your blog. I’m located in the Jacksonville, Florida, metropolitan area.

>2) Your photography details (what do you shoot? do you have a business? do you want to have a business?):

I’ve been struggling as a wedding and portrait photographer for the past 15 years, but have been photographing or a lot longer. Yeah, I cut my teeth in the profession with big medium format SLR film cameras.

>3) The biggest goal you’re working toward right now. Can be anything.

Marketing. I hate being marketed to, and I like to treat others like I like to be treated. I am trying to find something that works while avoiding being pushy. It’s not working – thank God for the day job.
Arved recently posted..Toastmasters Kollege of Knowledge

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Hello. My full name is Ramy Racelis. My wife and I own ramyphotography.com and we have been doing this since January 2004. I shoot with a Canon 5D mark iii.

Our biggest goal – we’re using our business to save for our daughter’s college fund and the rest goes to make a wish foundation.

I have a day job that pays the rest of the household bills.
Ramy recently posted..Katie & Ahmed, An Engagement Photo Session at Cranbrook

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You’re right, dear… I used to comment regularly, now ive turned into a lurker. I have my excuses, (like that i have no internet but my cell phone at home), alas, i still lurk too much.

Ok, hello all, im Regina. A wife, mother, and photographer living aboard my sailboat currently in Portland, Maine. Im just starting to get my business going up here, and i focus on portraiture for women!

I love the blog and have been following since near the beginning. Thank you, Jemima for being so willing to share with us!!!

motherso
Regina recently posted..Jaque

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I’m Laura, from Spain. I came across your blog recently and read it from beginning to end! I’m trying to finish my pdh and total newbie in photography. In fact I’m still in the why-are-my-pics-blurry phase….

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I also forgot to mention how much i love your blog and how it has helped me tremendously…. You are truly a blessing…. xoxo
Funke recently posted..LINDA + BANKOLE (MATERNITY SESSION)

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Hi there! First-time poster! Long-time lurker.

I am Britney and I reside in the most north-eastern city in the continental US- Madawaska, Me. It’s a quiet place, but the scenery is inspiring.

I am a wedding and event photog, but portraits keep me busy throughout the year as well. I do own my own company, running strong for over a decade. Just recently re-located to Maine from the Texas hill country.

My biggest goal for 2013? More newborns!
Britney Patterson recently posted..Patience + Peter Wedding | Lonesome Pines Trails

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I am so glad I found your blog. It is reliably insightful and encouraging.

I am Jennifer Stein of Pittsburgh, PA. I spent hours of high school in the darkroom working on yearbook photos and have been passionate about photography for years and years. In the fall of last year, I started a family portrait business. I have done a few small weddings, a little commercial work and a few birth stories too. I have my own family – four kids who are 10 and under.

My biggest goal at the moment is to finish my business website.

Love your blog, Jenika !

Jenny
Jennifer Stein recently posted..Try It: Move in Close

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Hi! I’m Kate, and I’m from Boston, MA.
I think I de-lurked last year, but clearly have gone back to my “lurker” status!
I have spent the last year doing mainly newborn and senior photo shoots. Right now I have more of a successful hobby that gives me some extra pocket money. I’m trying to have a successful business, but I’m afraid to up my pricing to a place where I can start to really succeed! I need to just sit down, buckle up, and do it! My goals are to work on my pricing and marketing – getting myself out there to the people I’d like to photograph!
My other minor problem is that in 3 months I will be relocating clear across the country to LA and restarting this successful hobby/business from scratch! I’d like to get the ground work done now, so that when I get out there, I can just work on building a clientele, rather than building the foundation of a successful business.
Thanks for always writing useful and interesting content that I can implement immediately with my own hobby/business!
Kate recently posted..Need a laugh?

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I live in Zionsville, Indiana. I retired last summer from 27 years of teaching Severely Emotionally Handicapped and Autistic individuals. I currently work for Amazon and have been a photographer for the last 7 years. I prefer to shoot things that do not talk back (not a big people person). My love are very old barns, houses and other abandoned structures. I don’t have a business but would like to start one (probably need a front person to handle business aspects). My goal at this time is to establish a website.

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Hello!

I de-lurked last year, but I don’t think I’ve commented since then. Oops! I do enjoy reading your posts, though!

My name is Brooke, and I’m in KS.

I love shooting babies, families and couples, and I am still working on starting my business. I think that was my answer last time, too. I just recently had a baby in March, so have put things on hold for a few months, but am just getting back into the swing of things shooting a few sessions here and there.

My biggest goal right now is to get my website re-vamped, and a Facebook page set up. I am still trying to figure out how to juggle life with a newborn and working full time, so I don’t have as much time for a photography business as I used to, but I still want to pursue it, and hopefully I can eventually quit the full time desk job and stay home with my girl.

Thanks for your great insight, keep the good posts coming!
Brooke G. recently posted..Jack & Ellie {2 months}

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Hi Jenika! I live in New Albany, MS. I am a full time ER nurse and part time/ full time photographer. I have a small studio in my home and also shoot outdoors as well. I shoot Canon, and I mostly shoot babies and kids. I have been in business for 2 years, and my biggest goal right now is to be able to quit my day job and play with pictures all day

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Hello

1) I’m Natalie & I live in West Chester, Pennsylvania {a nice ‘lil suburb of Philadelphia}

2) I shoot everything – weddings, engagements, family sessions – you name it, I shoot it!

3) I hope to be more confident in my pricing and in my shooting!

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My name is Sarah, and I am from South Dakota. I started Virgosplash Photograhy at age 19. Now that I am older and have educated myself more I am currently working hard to rebrand and market more toward my target market, high school seniors. Thank you for the chance to de-lurk! (;

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I live in Northeast Alabama. I have always loved photography and always taken pictures of whatever people will pay me to do. I have (nearly) decided to specialize in senior photography. I’m hoping to attend some workshops and get better at shooting AND running a business.
Jessica Works recently posted..Aly Washtub Session

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