Why I Love This Blog...

So often the only compass you have on the journey of your career is what's in your heart. Just trust your instincts - there are so many of us willing to help you along the way.

I've been MIA for the last couple days, doing something I never do...just take time off. We've had some wonderful time with family and friends and walking away from the business was the perfect thing to do. 

I've written a lot over the last few years about stepping away from your business. I've had guests on podcasts, like good friend, Tamara Lackey, talking about the importance of prioritizing between business, family and friends. Yet, when it comes to really being able to walk the talk, it's difficult.

I'm looking at today, January 3, as my first day of the new year and it seems right to share why I post every day and what drives so many of the projects I'm involved with. Although there are a lot of contributing factors, the most current change goes back to 2009...

I lived vicariously through so many of you for so many years, but never had the nerve to go out on my own, because I was afraid of failing. Sound just a little familiar?  

I always worked for other companies and although I loved the job at Rangefinder/WPPI, I grew tired of fighting for things I believed in. It was time to get out on my own. I had finally learned that it accomplishes nothing to keep looking back and mumbling "You know what I should have done?" This is where my wife, Sheila, starting saying, "Don't should on yourself!"

When I started my own company, members of my own family questioned my sanity.  I discovered this quote in several places on the Internet...

I do it because I can. 
I can because I want to. 
I want to because you said I couldn't !

So, why do I love this blog and trying to help so many of you? Because I love what photographers give the world! Because, you're all too close to your own business to recognize the mistakes you're making and the opportunities you miss to grow your business...Because there honestly is no industry like photography and lastly, because so many amazing people have helped me so much on my own journey.

More specifically, I post because I want to help you raise the bar on your business. I post because I love this industry and it's the only career field I've ever known. I post because, together we can all make the industry more successful, stronger and inspire the next generation of artists to start the journey.

This morning in Facebook Wedding Photographers I posted a request, based on an idea that seems like fun...I'm looking for stories about how you got started. What was your first camera? Who's been your inspiration? Who planted that first seed about photography? It's 200-400 words, a head shot of you, a link to your website and 1-2 images you're most proud of. Images only need to be 5x7 equivalent at 72 dpi...and obviously YOURS!  Send it all to my email, [email protected] and let's start a new series on the SCU blog. Check out this guest post by J.B. Sallee two months ago, if you need a little inspiration.

Meanwhile, welcome to 2015...it's going to be an amazing year and one wild ride! Thanks for coming along on the journey!

Photo Credit: © arselumaco - Fotolia.com