It’s been said, that 50 percent of small businesses fail within the first year. Maybe it was 72 percent. Or was it 90 percent? Oh heck, I don’t know. The point is a lot of small businesses don’t make it past the first 12 months. I had heard this fact before a time or two, so what did I decide to do? Start a photography business of course! Makes perfect sense, right? I’ve always enjoyed living on the edge. Heck I don’t want to appear completely reckless, but sometimes I’ve been known to throw caution to the wind and add a little extra spice to my chili recipe without even thinking about the consequences. Living on the edge, right?
 
It may seem hard to believe, but Photography by Lindsay is coming up on its one-year anniversary. April 2012 is when I first approached my husband with that dreamy look in my eye and said, “Hey Honey, I’m heading to the store to get some peanut butter. Oh, by the way, I think I’m going to start a photography business. Be back soon!”
 
The rest is just a memory. Okay, maybe not a memory. It’s actually all still pretty clear in my head. Making the purchase to upgrade my camera, the lenses, the backdrops, the props, the legal work, the classes and let’s not forget the hours of endless begging to friends and family....“Pleeeeeease let me photograph you and your children, pretty please!"
 
So where am I going with this rambling? Yes, I know, I ramble. What I’m trying to say is, “I did it!” It’s just about one year later and I did it! I’m still here and I’m still going strong. While I know this is only the beginning and I still have a really, really – seriously – really long way to go, I’m feeling pretty good about this past year. It’s not only what it has brought me, but also what I have learned and how I have changed – as a person and as a photographer.
 
I’ve had to overcome many personal fears throughout this process; and for those of you who know me, you know that change is not something I welcome with open arms. I’ve had to learn to ignore that little voice of self-doubt, even when she was screaming at me sometimes so loudly, that she was all I could hear. I’ve had to poke my head out from inside my shell at times because the photography business is about interacting with people. Who knew?! I’ve also had to take a bit of a financial gamble with my family’s income. It’s been an extremely stressful rollercoaster with many highs and lows, yet wonderfully exciting at the same time.
 
Thank goodness for those voices of reason and inspiration also in my ear all year long. You know who you are. Telling me to go for it when I questioned the idea, encouraging me to take chances when I was being too cautious, and picking me up when I felt like I just wasn’t good enough. To those of you who have been with me from the very beginning, who saw something before even I did, who pushed me to become better and gave me such praise with each accomplishment, no matter how small it may have been, I can’t even begin to thank you. So many people have been a part of making this small thought in the back of my head of “wouldn’t it be cool to have my own photography business,” a reality. So many of you have lent a helping hand behind the scenes and it’s because of you that Photography by Lindsay is still alive and kicking. I realize I still have a very long way to go. To quote my husband, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” (See dear, I was listening :-)) I’ll be the first to admit, I still have so much to learn, and so much room to grow, but the point is I know I’m not alone and I know I can and will do it.
 
The saying goes it takes a village to raise a child. Well, I’m starting a new saying – it takes a village to start a photography business. Thank you to all of the villagers who have helped me over this last year. You are amazing and inspiring. I love each and every one of you. Now let’s cut the chitchat and get started on our second year! Back to work people!