Owning a small business can be hard. No ifs, ands, or buts about it- it’s usually (at the beginning, at least) more work for less pay than an average corporate job would be, but when you love something enough, it’s WORTH it! Sloughing through the not-so-fun bits are worth it when you’re doing work that you’re passionate about.

That’s why it can be so important to make sure you’re doing work that you are, indeed, passionate about. I’m an incredibly enthusiastic person when I find something I care a great deal about, and that enthusiasm is what feeds my work. Without that Abby Grace energy, I wouldn’t be the creative that I am! That passion is contagious; it’s what made for some of my favorite moments on film.

I tell every single couple I meet with the same thing: the work you’ll see on my website and blog is definitely a testament to a certain level of skill and experience, but it’s also a byproduct of the relationships I have with my couples behind the camera. Those sweet or intimate moments, they likely would happen in the same way if there wasn’t a certain level of chemistry with each of my couples! Because if my couples aren’t comfortable with me on a person-to-person level, they won’t let their guard down enough for me to have a look into what their love really looks like.

And, conversely, if a couple thinks I’m annoying during a one-hour meeting, can you imagine spending nine hours with me on their wedding day?

The whole idea of “holding out for your ideal client” isn’t one born from conceit or narcissism- it’s coming from a place of desiring that both you and the couple are a good fit for one another! They’re investing a lot when choosing a wedding photographer- I want to make sure that their investment is a GOOD one. My hope is that every couple I cross paths with finds the perfect fit for them, whether that’s me or another talented creative.

So, dear photographer friend, I want to encourage you. If you’re similar to me and know you work best when it’s with a particular kind of couple, don’t be afraid to chase that dream.