That title? That’s actually something I asked Matt on multiple occasions before my blog launched this past Spring. I was SO excited to have the chance to showcase my latest work and offer some of my own words to accompany the images, but I also wanted to blog more than just my recent shoots. I wanted to blog my experiences, the occasional awesome recipe and my undying love for all things produced by JK Rowling.

I’d never had a blog (unless you count that LiveJournal account I had in 9th grade?) and I really wasn’t sure where to start. So I took a cue from some of my favorite photographers and just wrote whatever felt comfortable. On April 29th? I blogged about the royal wedding (you have to see it, the accompanying image is hilarious). Another time I blogged about a swarm of bees that appeared outside my dad’s police station. Random, but people responded.

I’ve always been a writer. When I was in high school my mom encouraged me to think about majoring in English, but I totally bomb the intricate grammar side of our language (what the heck is a past participle? and why CAN’T I use a preposition at the end of a sentence?!). So it’s been an incredible release to be able to combine my love of weaving a picture with words and my affair with photography into the love child that is my blog.

After blogging about anything and nothing in particular, I’ve figured out the answer to my query “but what if no one reads my blog?” The answer is simply this: they will. Why? Because whether I’m blogging about someone’s love story or my own obsession with Harry Potter, SOMEONE out there can relate to it.

On Monday I blogged 10 random things you may not know about me and #10 was that because I use more conditioner than shampoo, I’m always left with excess shampoo once the conditioner bottle is empty. Some other photographers out there may think that’s a silly thing to blog, but I had five separate comments from people who say they have the exact same problem. A random, seemingly insignificant little oddity about myself led to me finding a way to connect to five other people in internet-land. Relationships are built on connections, and some of my favorite clients have been gleaned through relationships. Finding a way to connect with what may at first be a stranger can very well turn into some of the best client relationships you’ll ever know.

The point of this blog post is to encourage you! If you’re a photographer that only blogs your work because you think people won’t care about an ice skating adventure-turned-ER-disaster, you’d be surprised just how positively people respond to YOU. Don’t just share your photos, share your LIFE.

One of the most flattering compliments I’ve received was when someone told me “I know we’ve never met, but I read your blog and I feel like we’re already friends.” When I hear that, I do a squeal, air punch and jig all at once! Because it means I’ve done what I set out to do- showcasing not only my work, but ME. Because when people hire Abby Grace Photography, they’re not just getting wedding photographs. They’re getting a photographer who loves and lives as passionately as possible, and I do my best to allow that to shine through my photography.

 

Happy Wednesday!

Lessons Learned: “But what if no one reads my blog?”

November 30, 2011

  1. I love this – If you write from your heart, people will read and they will begin to feel like they know you! It’s a beautiful thing! We all love your blog at Bayside Bride!

  2. You are right! I will take some of this advice when I’m struggling to come up with my own blog posts. And just do, whatever I feel!

  3. Love this! You’re absolutely right- it’s awesome how we connect when we share more about ourselves (like with random things posts!) 🙂 Taking this advice!

  4. Maria says:

    Great post! So rewarding to put yourself out there and get positive feedback, right? Yay for quality community!

  5. Dylan says:

    Love it! the more personal posts the better!

  6. I wholeheartedly agree!!! I LOVE blogs and ones that have photos accompanying the words are my absolute favorite! It doesn’t matter if it is a photographer or not. I have plenty of friend who blog and put up photos that wouldn’t be considered extrodinary in the photog world but in mine they are cause it brings that person to life! Kudos to you on being awesome!

  7. Tessa says:

    I have the same problem with my shampoo Abby!!
    I just want you to know that I am always looking for a new post from you, and after I first met you at Beth Victory’s wedding, I went back and read EVERY SINGLE BLOG POST EVER by you! I love reading them!!! You are the only professional photographer that I really follow.
    So thank you for doing what you do!

    P.S. You look adorable in your profile picture!! 🙂

  8. Matt Springmann says:

    Yeah, why can’t I use a preposition to end a sentence on?

  9. Jean Hensley says:

    I love your blogs! I have two other’s that I read regularly and I feel that I know these folks. But your’s is special because you are my granddaughter and I get to know you a little better when you post a blog. Keep up the good work. I love, love, love it!

  10. Kaitlyn says:

    I am with you on grammer…hahaha 🙂

  11. Kerith says:

    Ummm I love your blog. I showed it to all my work people.

  12. Tim Field says:

    Hey, I never use conditioner so can I have your leftover shampoo? To paraphrase the “catch phrase” from one of my favorite movies, If you blog it they will come! OK who caught the double entendre in that statement???hmmmmm????

  13. lauren jolly says:

    great post, abby! i totally agree with your philosophy! i love writing, too and it is such a great feeling when others relate to what i write about! rock on!

  14. Kari Jeanne says:

    Love this! I love coming to your blog – especially once I found out you love Harry Potter as much as me!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  15. Awesome post Abby! I couldn’t agree more!!! People love getting to know us – they can find a pretty picture anywhere – but the relationship that is built by the moments in our lives we share make all the difference!

    Blessings!

  16. Melissa says:

    Love it! You are the sweetest and I read your blog all the time 🙂

  17. I so relate! Keep writing…

  18. Elizabeth says:

    I love your blog, Abby, because it is about YOU, and, well, I love YOU! Like you said, it’s not just about photography… it’s about life 🙂

  19. You are such a good writer and I’m always entertained by your blog posts!

  20. Reina says:

    You’re right! You know, I wasn’t going to write a comment because this blog was written a while ago, but, its true there is someone out there that can relate. Might I add that I too, run out of conditioner before shampoo. You’re pics are gorgeous and your conversation is well, friendly and enlightening.

    I guess the idea of a blog is to just start writing and eventually everything will fall in place. Thanks for the help!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Leave A Note

Browse the Conversation ...

Snag the Gear Guide

Heck yes! Gimme!

Curious about my gear list?

Follow along

@abbygracephoto

info@abbygracephotography.com

WASHINGTON, DC & WORLDWIDE

DESIGN BY TONIC SITE SHOP 

© ABBY GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY 2024 

Back to top

JOin the abby grace newsletter community

Get on the list

for exclusive, once-weekly business & photo tips, early access to new courses and resources, and occasional Mean Girls quotes. 

%d bloggers like this: