Out of My Comfort Zone...

For a couple of years now, as I've gotten more and more into photography and more and more comfortable with my camera, I've thought about starting my own little photography business, most likely taking family photos and baby photos. Between two children and work however I haven't had much time to pursue this as a possibility. And it's something I've been a little nervous about. It's one thing to take photos of my own kids- my expectations are the only ones let down when they don't turn out well. But taking photos of other people is much scarier.

My friends are all familiar with my love for photography, as I'm always the one at playdates and birthday parties with a big camera strapped around my neck. And they've casually asked me to take their family photos many times but it never happened.

A few weeks ago a friend texted me on a Sunday morning and asked if there was any way I could come over and take some photos for her as all four children were actually home with no plans. I seriously considered saying no as I was nervous to do it but I knew that if I didn't step out of my comfort zone and TRY then I'd never know if this was something I really wanted to pursue. And so I said yes. Without much time to think about it or plan or search online for ideas I headed out to take some photos. And while things didn't necessarily go exactly the way I would have wanted, we got some pretty great photos. And I got some pretty great experience.

The following weekend I took photos for another friend. I'd had a little more time to prepare and had figured a few things out after my first "official shoot" and it went fairly well.

I still have a TON to learn and obviously if I start up a photography business I'd need to spend more time preparing, scouting out great locations, making wardrobe suggestions, etc., but I'm so glad that pushed myself to try taking photos for other people. It's definitely something I'd like to do more of and each experience gets me one step closer.

Here are a few of what I think are the best shots from my first two family photo shoots:

Shoot 1:

Shoot 2:

Thanks to my friends for helping me get out of my comfort zone and try this out!

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