As I previously mentioned I have spent a lot of time in this past year focused on who I am as a professional, as a photographer, and as a business.  During this process I have utilized a lot of different tools and activities to help me focus on questions about who I am and what is important to me.  One of the tools I used was a worksheet that prompted me to answer questions about myself and my photography business in areas such as my core, personal style, photographic style, strengths and target.  I think that these exercises are important for anyone to do regardless of what business you may be in because it helps give you a better picture of what it is you do and why you do it.  I figured I would share some of my answers, so today I will review the answers to the section on "my core".

•  Why are you a photographer?
  • I would have to say that I am a photographer because I love to capture the beauty of people in images.  Since I was in high school and began studying photography I have wanted to be a photographer.  I love to take pictures and I especially like taking pictures of people.  I would say that most photographers consider themselves artists, but for whatever reason I have never really resonated with this term.  Perhaps it was because both of my sisters were traditional artists and so I didn't feel like my photography was in the same category.  I consider myself to be an engineer of sorts, perhaps a photographic engineer, but I hesitate to say that because I do not want people to confuse that with a Photoshop engineer.  My focus is to create the best image in the camera by working with the subject.  I like to spend time with each individual focusing on increasing their confidence in front of the camera and posing them in ways that brings out the best images possible.  I love how it feels to have someone who says they are not photogenic or do not typically take good pictures fall in love with images of themself.  It gives a new sense of confidence within a person and that is priceless. 
•  What makes you excited to get up in the morning and get working?
  • This question is a difficult question because my days are so varied.  I currently work two days a week as a mental health counselor, providing individual therapy to college students.  On the other three days I focus on the photography and the business.  And on weekends I focus on family.  I suppose the question is geared towards the three days of photography though, so that's where the focus will be.  What gets me excited?  Hmmm.  Well, there are a lot of things, so I'm just going to say them all:  creating something new, working with clients, working with my makeup artist, going to the studio, checking things off my to do list, showing people their finished pictures, shooting, editing, researching, brainstorming, but especially getting one day closer to my goal - that's what really gets me excited. 
• What is the purpose of your business other than photography?
  • The purpose of my business other than photography is to make people feel beautiful inside and out.  I cannot stress what an integral part of my business this is.  My goal of each session is to make each individual that I work with walk away feeling absolutely beautiful - inside in out.  I hope everyone leaves with a greater sense of self, higher confidence, heightened sense of purpose, and increased ambition.  The experience is not just about the photographs - it is about you and getting a well-deserved day of pampering and a focus on beauty - the pictures are just a timeless reminder of this day.

Well, I hope that gives you a little more insight into who I am and what my business is about.  It sure made me think long and hard.  Regardless of what you do in your life, whether you work or are a stay at home mom (which is work!) - I would challenge you to answer these questions about yourself.  Why are you a [fill in the blank]?  What makes you excited to get up in the morning and get working?  What is the purpose of your business other than [fill in the blank]?  Feel free to comment and let me know what you learn about yourself.

Until next time.

(Photo credits to: Ryan G. Poirier and Caitlin Battersby)