Six months ago, I finally did the thing!!!  I started my photography business.  And yes, that first post on my social media was hard for me to do. What began as a creative dream quickly turned into late nights, learning curves, happy tears, and moments of doubt. And don't forget an overwhelming amount of support from so many people. Today, I’m sharing the honest lessons I’ve learned so far, in hopes that it encourages someone who’s just starting out (or thinking about it).

1. You Don’t Have to Feel “Ready” to Start


I get it.  It’s intimidating. But from what I’ve learned, the idea of “feeling ready” is often just a facade. If I had waited until I felt fully prepared, I might still be waiting.

What surprised me most was that people believed in my work before I fully believed in myself. I had friends and families reaching out to schedule photoshoots before I even officially launched my business. They took the leap on me before I did.

I will always be grateful for those early supporters. Your trust gave me the courage to take the next step, to show up, and to keep going.

What I’ve learned is that readiness doesn’t come before you begin.  It comes because you begin.

I didn’t have everything figured out when I started. I learned through showing up, making mistakes, and growing with every session. Confidence followed action, not the other way around.

If you’re waiting to feel fully ready before starting something new, this is your reminder: you’re allowed to start scared. You’re allowed to grow as you go. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is begin before you feel prepared.

2. Imposter Syndrome Shows Up Loudly in the Beginning


There were (and still are) moments where imposter syndrome creeps in. Moments where I wondered if I was “good enough,” if people would trust me, or if I truly belonged in this space.

I learned that imposter syndrome doesn’t go away when you’re ready,  it fades when you keep showing up anyway.

Every session taught me something new. Every kind word from a client chipped away at that doubt. Confidence didn’t come first, action did.


One thing that I've learned about imposter syndrome is that having the right tools for your business helps make you feel more confident and show up for your clients in the best way. Here is one of the biggest examples I have for you. I use a client gallery service called Pixieset and I wish I would've upgraded from the free version when I first started. It would've save me a lot of time and energy. Having a clean, professional website, a simple booking system, and a way to deliver galleries all in one place gave me confidence before I felt confident.Pixieset helped me show up as a real business even while I was still learning and growing behind the scenes. It allowed clients to trust the process, and it reminded me that I was capable of building something intentional and professional. If you're interested in trying out Pixieset, here is a link for $20 off https://pixieset.com/ref/xXVGQCj2Zz.

3. Client Experience Matters Just as Much as the Photos


My clients are exceptional. It is my goal to continuously make my clients experience the best that it can be. And not only have I been able to meet new people, but I have been able to call them new friends too!


Photography isn’t just about delivering beautiful images. It’s about how people feel before, during, and after their session.


I’ve learned how important it is to:

Communicate clearly

Create a relaxed, welcoming environment

Meet families where they are (especially kids)

Make sessions feel more like an experience than a task


When people feel comfortable and cared for, the photos naturally follow.

4. Pricing Confidence Takes Time  and That’s Okay


One of the hardest lessons has been learning to price my work with confidence. In the beginning, it felt uncomfortable to put a number on something so personal. Taking photos is a passion of mine and heck I would want to do it for free if it wasn't for being a busy mom, a friend, a spouse etc...

Over time, I realized pricing isn’t just about photos, it reflects time, energy, skill, and the experience I provide. Transparency and honesty became important values in my business, both for my clients and for myself. I still struggle with pricing my sessions but right now my focus is on learning alongside my business and my clients.

Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and confidence builds with experience.

5. consistency beats talent every single time


Some days are quiet. Some weeks feel slow. Some moments make you question everything.

I’ve learned that consistency (showing up, communicating, learning, and staying committed) matters more than perfection. Progress often happens quietly before it becomes visible.

 

Six Months In, I’m Still Learning and That’s the Point

 

If you’re thinking about starting something new, or you’re in the early stages of a dream that feels scary and exciting all at once, know this: you’re not behind.

You’re learning.

Six months in, I don’t have it all figured out. But I sure am proud of how far I’ve come. And I can’t wait to see where this next season takes me.

If you’re local to Central Illinois and looking for a photographer who values authentic connection and timeless memories, I’d love to work with you.

Or heck, lets travel to each other too. Your experience matters and I'm only a flight or car drive away


***This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share tools I genuinely use and love.***