blogging, business, and believing
Monday, February 1, 2010 at 1:23PM I just finished reading fellow photographer Casey's blog about well, blogging. It really hit a place in my heart that I have definitely struggled with, so instead of leaving a ridiculously long comment on her blog, I thought I'd spell out my thoughts here. It is my blog, after all. :)
Casey was discussing the fact that 1) Her blog (as did mine) began as a means to share her personal self in pictures and writing, but 2) is also a great means to share her photography, which happens to be how she and her husband, Aric, put food on the table.
It's a tough place to be- when you want to be able to share what's going on when you're not behind the camera, but also need to make sure you are professional and keep your business flourishing.
I love the conclusion that Casey came to as a fellow Jesus-lover. I have to keep reminding myself of my own conclusion from time to time, so I thought it worth the effort to write it here.
I am not in the photography business. I am in the people business. And above that, I believe that I'm a part of something much, much bigger than myself and my world. I know that my business is not really my own.
There have been many times where I've worried myself out of sleep over the survival of my little business, only to be reminded the next day that the opportunities I've been given through photography are straight from the Lord. Regardless of my abilities or talents, God's gonna do what He wants to do, so I'd better be ready and willing.
I enjoy writing and sharing my images with the people who read this blog, and although many days I care too much about the number of visitors/comments, I have the need (and the calling) to connect with people. God has promised me that He has a special purpose for my life, and I don't want to miss out on something that has eternal value because I'm afraid of losing something that will only last here on Earth.
Thank you to all the people who take the time to visit my little internet home. I would love to hear your perspective on this topic!
Reader Comments (8)
Lissa!
Thanks so much for sharing! And also for your honesty! Your post dove even deeper into what I've been feeling than what I shared and it's encouraging to know that I'm not alone! :)
Lissa~ great post! You are ablsoltely right that God is going to use your talents to his glory! He already does!!! Blessings
Sandi
Lissa some may think this is crazy looking at it from a business perspective but I would say you need to forget about what other people think and use your blog to express whatever your heart feels the desire to post. Photography, unlike some business's, is a very personal business. The people that hire you to come into their lives and capture those moments in pictures are using you because they either know, like or trust you. Your blog may be the first and only thing some people get to see of you before making a decision on who to call for their photography needs and if they walk away from reading this feeling like they know you on a more personal level I fail to see how that could be a bad thing. Your photography is AMAZING and is a talent that God has bestowed upon on, I think it speaks volumes that you are being so careful to be a good steward of that talent!
I don't even know you, but I love your photography! I pretty much check for new photos and work that you have done weekly. And in fact, if my family is ever in Amarillo again I would love for you to take photos of us!!
Thanks for not giving up and sticking to what you have in your heart, because you are a blessing to us and put such a huge smile on our faces everytime we see you. Praying God continues to use you in great ways.
Lissa!
I don't get around to checking your photog blog as often as I should, but this post alone makes me want to come back for more ALL the time! :) Your heart for Jesus is what makes you stand out and add to that the fact you're an awesome photographer, and it's a win/win! Thanks for sharing your heart on this and filling us readers in on the fact that Jesus comes first in your life. Something I consistently need reminding of!
April
I'm so proud of you.
And I love the way you love Jesus.
Thank you for always being honest and transparent,
His light really does shine through you.
I love you friend.
I love that you can be REAL. Being someone who's photo shoot you will be doing soon, it makes me feel so at ease that you are down to earth and that it's not all just about snapping pictures for the money I believe that you see something more in the things of this life and iIt's super enlightening! I hope you keep that uniqueness about you and that you continue to see things the way you do about your "business". BTW- Can't wait to see ya Friday!