To the photographer who wants to give up, please know that you are not alone. To the photographer who feels like their work isn’t good enough, know that you shouldn’t be comparing your mess to someone else’s highlight reel. To the photographer who can’t seem to fill their schedule, you aren’t the only one. Just because you seem to be going through a low season in your business doesn’t mean that it’s time to give up. You were given this gift for a reason and it should not be thrown away!

Learn to give yourself grace. We are often the people who have the highest expectations for our businesses, not our clients, friends or even faithful followers. When it feels like you aren’t even meeting your own standards, so many other people are inspired by your business and hope to be as successful as you one day. There’s always someone looking up to you whether you know it or not; someone who loves your images and follows every picture you post. It’s important to show up for that person because you never know that impact that you may have in their life.

It’s okay to take a little break, it’s okay to rest. What once was your hobby has now become your career. It’s so important to not lose the joy that you once had for your art. If that means taking a break, that that’s what you should do. Find something else in your life that fills you with joy, whether that’s baking, singing or serving at your church. Be sure that your business isn’t taking up so much time that you forget to enjoy the simple things in life. If your business is constantly causing you to miss your child’s soccer games, if you are loosing sleep or allow it to come before other priorities in your life, then it’s time to re-evaluate how you spend your time. If you don’t you’ll burn out faster than a match and it will be so challenging to re-kindle the fire that was once so strong. By being intentional about creating space within your schedule to rest and re-fill your soul, you’ll be much more inspired and motivated to keep your business thriving.

As a photographer, you have the beautiful privilege to capture special moments and freeze them time. There’s no one else in this world that can capture it quite like you. If you’re still feeling defeated, please know that I love you and that Jesus loves you to. I would love to encourage you, be your personal cheerleader and help you get out of this rut! We have all been there, and I know that it is not fun. But I promise you that the fight to push through this rough season of life is well worth it! Sometimes you just need a little nudge from someone else and a pep talk to remind you that you do have what it takes, you are a talented photographer and you are making a difference in someone’s life. So if this is you, please reach out and I would love to help you through this season. It isn’t fun now, but sometimes God has a funny way of turning some of our darkest moments into some of the most beautiful parts of our lives and character. Keep going friend, you’ve got this!