I've had a camera in my hand as long as I can remember. When I was a child, it didn't matter to me what type of camera I was using, I just wanted to take pictures of "stuff." It was the "stuff" that I loved the most. The people who were special to me. As I grew up I realized that photography is a work of art. I started to embrace the tool I had in my hand, to learn how to use it to capture the most impactful or alluring images of the "stuff" and the people that I love. And then I got serious about the doors that photography could open for me.
Most of us spend a large portion of our lives trying to figure out what we love doing and trying to decide if we can make a career doing that thing. I for one am afraid of risk. I have a fabulous job (the stable job of my dreams) with an amazing company. Doing something that I enjoy...writing. And thankfully I get to throw photography into my work there to, which is a great balance. But it's not "the" thing I love most. It's not art, in the sense that I love art. I am passionate about my work for this company. But I see it as work. Not as my passion. Not as the thing that I look forward to doing everyday. Not as the type of work that makes me happy to do anytime, anyday. Not the type of work that doesn't feel like work.
So when I say I am afraid of risk, I mean that I am afraid of leaping into my photography business and relying on that as my sole source of support for me and my family. I am a single mom with two beautiful boys. I am taking baby steps into my business. Although my ultimate dream is to prosper in success with Casey Hollins Photography so that I can spend more time at home with them. There are precious moments I miss everyday that I can never get back. I miss those moments while I am driving my 1-hour commute to work every morning and they are getting ready for school. I miss them while I am scrambling to fix dinner, give them baths, do homework and hopefully get them in bed at a "decent" hour after working 10 hours and then driving another hour home. I miss them throughout the day when I can't be there for something, because I have to be at work. I don't want to miss any more of those moments. And I know that I can succeed at this business. That's why I'm taking baby steps right now.
This past June I started to offer my photography services to friends and family for free so that I could build a portfolio. It got off to a rocky start. Just look back at my facebook page www.facebook.com/caseyhollinsphotography. You will see some of my first images, which broadcast some of my first mistakes. Over time I realized where to improve and step by step have focused on making those improvements.
This past December I had my first "real" client. I was so incredibly nervous. She asked me to take her maternity portraits and then to come back and take portraits of her precious newborn. That is a special special time in someone's life and I was determined to do the best job I could with my first maternity session and newborn session. I hope my work made her happy. Since then I have had quite a few clients. I have done family portraits, children's portraits, pets, boudoir portraits and bridals. I love it. There is no work that I have ever done that makes me so happy. And I want to continue doing this work and growing my business.
But there's a lot that I need to do and learn as a photographer to grow. And the more I grow in my knowledge and skill as a photographer and in my understanding of the business of photography the better service I can provide to my clients. That's why I want more than anything to attend "The Workshop Experience" with Katelyn James. Katelyn James is an amazing photographer here in Virginia. I admire her for so many reasons and on so many levels. And I aspire to provide the type of experience to my clients as she does. So I am sharing my story with everyone today so that I can hopefully be selected to attend her workshop for free. I can't afford the $750 fee to attend, although I know it's more than worth it. It just isn't financially possible for me right now. Katelyn offers to to give insight to professional wedding photographers to take their business to the next level. I have had quite a few inquiries for weddings, but at this point my portfolio doesn't include a wedding. But that's my goal. And I am ready to take my business to the next level. And I know that the workshop with Katelyn would get me ready to go there. She plans to teach us about "invisible marketing", branding, posing, studio organization and creating an EXPERIENCE for your clients!! I need all of that so much. Hopefully I will win the opportunity.
I have poured my heart and soul into my work. And this is my story.
