Why I became a Wedding Photographer 5.5 years ago
Before I even met my future husband, I had our wedding ALL planned out. Yep. I was that girl. I was SO obsessed with weddings that I took any job that would allow me to be within the wedding industry. I started off selling engagement rings for a local jeweler and spent more time dreamily trying on rings then actually selling. #whoops Clearly, it wasn't the right job for me. ;)
After my brief stint in fine jewelry, I began work at one of the sweetest family own bridal shops in Bellingham, Alicia's Bridal. I LOVED being around the hustle, joy & giddyness of brides searching for their dream gowns. AND, I was always happy to volunteer to try on the newest samples that arrived in the store so the owner could 'see them on a real person.' Needless to say, I got particular REAL quick about what type of wedding dress I wanted. But I digress...
When it was finally my turn to be the bride, I received the most beautiful photos I girl could ask for. Those photos and the experience made me feel beautiful & special...and I had SO MANY PROFILE PICS to choose from...and I received SO MANY COMPLIMENTS on my gorgeous wedding photos. At the time, many of my friends were also getting married. I heard so many stories from my girls about their 'horrible wedding photos.' It was disheartening, I believe every bride deserves to have the quality of photos & a amazing experience I had.
A month after our honeymoon, I returned to me grown-up-big-girl-insurance-company day job. ugh. Another job choice that was doing nothing for my creative spirit & need to be around weddings. As I was listening to the audio book, the 4-hr workweek and brain storming potential careers, it hit me!
I LOVE WEDDINGS.
PHOTOGRAPHERS MAKE A SHIT LOAD OF MONEY.
I'D ONLY HAVE TO WORK ONE DAY A WEEK!!
I SHOULD TOTALLY BECOME A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER.
I called my husband and hashed it out with him. He's so used to my 'latest obsession' phone calls that he was fairly unfazed by my latest brilliant idea. I think one of his first questions was, "how much is this going to cost?" hah!
Welp, 5.5 years later and that 'latest obsession' of becoming a wedding photographer is not only still going strong, but I'd like to not-so-humbly say, I feel like I'm doing a pretty great job!
Side note: let me dispel some myths from my earlier thoughts about becoming a wedding photographer.
I LOVE WEDDINGS. -- Yep, still true!
PHOTOGRAPHERS MAKE A SHIT LOAD OF MONEY. - hah! Yes I make a large gross but my take home is like 50% after business expenses & taxes. The reality of 30% of my income going to taxes is still SO DISAPPOINTING. I'd rather buy more boat shoes.
I'D ONLY HAVE TO WORK ONE DAY A WEEK!! - Nope, not even close. I work 3 hrs every day during the off season and closer to 30-40 hrs a week during wedding season. BUT, it does come with a fair amount of flexibility that means I get to stay home with my kidlets.
I SHOULD TOTALLY BECOME A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER. - Still the right choice. <3