I photographed my first wedding in 2009. I didn’t have a business plan, or really, any idea what I was getting myself into. I knew nothing about costs of doing business or taxes, I really thought life as a wedding photographer would be glamorous and all about meeting awesome people and taking photos.
Needless to say, I was wrong. Very, very wrong.
My pricing structure was so poorly put together that each wedding actually cost me money. I didn’t put aside anything for taxes and I had no idea that I needed a sales tax license, both mistakes that I greatly paid for later.
As I aimlessly tried to build a business, I also held another job unrelated to photography. I knew I needed supplemental income, I just didn’t entirely understand why. Thankfully I learned from my mistakes pretty quickly and found myself en route to an actual business.
I’ve secretly continued to hold a non-photography related job for the past eleven years. I worried that sharing this other part of my life would cause my couples to worry that I may not be able to give them the 100% attention and the awesome experience they deserve. Instead, I put every ounce of energy I had into balancing both parts of my life, all while managing to keep my secret. Wedding seasons were brutal and became increasingly difficult to schedule couples for meetings and sessions, due to my limited availability.
I finally found myself in a place where I could leave my other job and commit fully to life as 100% self employed. Two weeks before I planned to put in my notice…the world changed. Weddings postponed, new couples put their planning on hold, and PUA (aka unemployment for self employed) never came through. Needless to say, everything felt like it was falling apart and I felt helpless. I was certain that I would be forced to give up my dreams and go back to the life I’ve hidden for years.
Something incredible happened in late May. Couples, some of whom I photographed years ago, reached out to me to order prints. I had requests for gift cards, future sessions, and a few new couples even reached out. I received more emails and messages than I can count, reminding me that someone was thinking of me and sending loads of encouragement. All of this was the boost I so desperately needed.
I’ve spent weeks torturing myself (and Chris) with tons of “what ifs”. What if I fail? What if I don’t have enough money? I finally thought to myself, “what if…I’m happy”.
Today I made the decision to leave my other job, officially putting everything into K. Moss Photography. I won’t lie and pretend that I’m not scared. I’m terrified. I know that I’m probably crazy to make such a big decision during such uncertain times, but there will always be excuses in life to wait until a “better time”. I also know that I have the most awesome and supportive K. Moss family cheering me on.
Thank you so, so much for helping me reach this point in my life and career. You aren’t clients, you’re family.
I love you all.