Thursday, June 12, 2008

My Big News


No, I didn't find a job yet. The search continues but I'm not terribly worried. Not yet.

So what is it then? My big news is that in just over a week, I'll be shooting my first wedding! I'm so excited about this. Sooooo excited! Whenever I think of being really excited about something, the Snoopy Dance image always comes to mind. Although I don't ham it up on the outside like Snoopy does, inside, that's exactly how I feel.

It's actually my friend's job. Upon hearing that he'd be shooting this (his first also?) wedding, I kindly offered my services, free of charge to assist him. He gladly accepted. He gave me a list of duties and responsibilities to cover, but then the rest is entirely up to me. I can be as creative as I choose to be.

Maybe I should be more nervous. On the surface I think, "What am I doing? I have no idea what to do." But I know once I get there, camera in hand, I'll just start shooting and all that somehow got into me will surface and take over. I'm not a technical shooter. I don't know textbook composition. I just know what looks good to me. And from all the encouragement I get from those of you that stop by here and leave me comments, it seems many of you agree.

It's funny. I'm the same kind of writer. Outside of elementary school writing, I don't know what I'm doing. But all through my undergrad and then graduate studies, I always have done quite well with what I have written. The big difference is writing is a painful process for me. I struggle through the process and always look forward to the completed document. But with photography it's the opposite. I think I love the process more than the final product.

I've already recruited the help of a blog friend. I've had the opportunity to pick the brain of an experienced professional! And I'm preparing more questions for my blogger friend as we speak.

With the uncertainty of my job, and my continued and growing passion for photography, I can't help but wonder where I'll go with this. Do I want to keep it solely as a hobby? Or do I want to pursue this as a business? One book I've perused regarding the business end of photography states that the business of photography is about 80-90 percent of the work. Shooting is only a small part of the business. That's a very realistic - feet on the ground - head out of the clouds statement. But you know what? It didn't scare me away. Should I decide to go this route, I have the benefit of having a great, secure job for now. (Even though I've lost my position) I have security. I have benefits. I have the luxury of being able to slowly move into this should I so choose. I think shooting this wedding will help answer some of my questions about where I want this whole thing to go. And whatever the direction this takes me, I'm loving the process.

19 comments:

Dillo said...

I can hear the Vince Guaraldi music even as I'm typing.....Move those happy feet!

Congratulations! Should be a blast. You'll do fine! Do you get free food?

We look forward to seeing the results (if circumstances allow you to show them off, I guess)

Anonymous said...

I'm dancing inside for you two. I hope all of your dreams come true. I also paused and offered a quick prayer asking God to keep his hand upon this new venture in your life.

Unknown said...

HOW EXCITING!!! I can't wait to hear all about it! A how exciting that God could be opening up this path for you to explore doing more of what you really love (I know how wonderful the feeling is)!

Textbook-shmextbook. YOU don't need one telling you how to take pictures. They're fantastic as it is. Just make sure you take your macro lens (of which I am exceedingly jealous)...

OhCaptain said...

Congrats on the paying gig! I've been asked to do 2 weddings this summer. We'll see how they go. One piece of advice I was given...make sure you check your lens cap ;-)

Anna said...

You know, taking things one day at a time things become very clear Robert. Take it from me.

I am SO "unbusiness=like"...the thought of any of that completely breaks me out into a cold sweat...good thing my better half is my "manager"....

Once I knew I was ready, no amount of business speak was going to stop me! I keep focused on what I love to do and the other stuff comes.

I am exceedingly happy for you!

Anna said...

Congrats on the wedding!!! I hope we'll get to see some of the pictures... *hint hint*

Carletta said...

How wonderful Robert!! I am so excited for you. I think anybody who comes here knows photography is a passion for you and the opportunity this brings is awesome. No wonder you feel like dancing - DANCE,DANCE,DANCE!!!
Wishing you many blessings in your endeavors.
Gosh, I am SO happy for you!!
(You know I like music tie-ins and this is wonderful!)

Erin Faye said...

WOW WOW WOW!! That is so awesome!! Congrat!
You will do awesome, have fun with it and get some awesome shots!
I can't wait to see some pictures and hear how it turned out.
About starting a photography business, I say go for it! You definitley have the talent for it.

Anonymous said...

That IS great news! Congrats!

Making a living from something you l.o.v.e. could be a great blessing!

Keep us in the loop....like as soon as you get home!

Raven said...

What glorious news! The snoopy dance is perfect. This is such a great way to get your feet in the water too, since your friend bears the ultimate responsiblity. It's win-win for everyone. He gets the blessings of your extraordinary talent and some back-up on his first wedding shoot, you get the experience and the bride gets TWO photographers. You have such a talent for this, that I know you will go far. It's wonderful that you are, as Joseph Campbell would say, "following your bliss." Can't wait to hear how it goes and see some pictures too.

juliana said...

well, that's wonderful news! you'll do just great, i'm sure of that.
and i'll keep my fingers crossed things turn out the best possible way for you!

Anna said...

Aren't blogger friends great? The encouragement is overwhelming!

Robert said...

Yes. This *really* is great. I can't begin to express how much the encouragement and support from all of you means to me. Thank you all so much. :)

Jeanne Damoff said...

How fun! You'll do an awesome job. It's nice you won't be the only photographer at the wedding. That will free you up to do more creative things.

I shoot my first official wedding (as the primary photographer) in August, and I already have another on the calendar for summer 2009. I love playing around with photography, but a wedding is so important! Good motivation to keep learning and improving.

I'm really happy for you, Robert! Can't wait to see some of the shots. And I'll pray with you for wisdom and direction regarding the future.

Karen Coutu said...

That's so exciting!! I am thrilled for you. I hope you'll be able to post some of the wedding photos.

Dianne - Bunny Trails said...

How exciting, Robert! I love the reference to the Snoopy dance. What could be more happy and joyful?

Who knows? Maybe God's opening a new path in your life. Just have to follow it and see where He takes you. You have a good eye for composition, trained or not, and I'm sure you'll capture some excellent shots.

I'm praying for your job, this photo shoot, and your family, as you follow the adventure God has for you. :D

Blessings,
Dianne

wesleyjeanne said...

Congratulations. I hope it goes well for you.

Cris said...

Way to go!!! We would to like to see the pictures :-) That's exciting moving on to photography slowly huh.

Anonymous said...

Wow Robert, you will be perfect, ditto, ditto, ditto to what everyone has said, you have such a wonderful talent with the camera, congratulations to you,i have caught up on all your latest posts, enjoyed the trip through the zoo, as seen through your camera lense, as much as Lily!!