The whole point of starting my photography business in the tri-cities area was to give myself a place to be creative. My family and I moved to the burbs of Chicago almost 5 years ago and it was less than a year before I thought I’d lose my mind from not being able to be creative.
Yes, as a mom, I can be creative but honestly it’s not the same as making creative art. When I lived in Los Angeles, I was SURROUNDED by creativity EVERYWHERE I went. Most of my friends were creatives and I really loved that aspect of my life there.
However, we moved to the burbs for my kids. Good schools, space and a nicer home for them to feel comfortable growing up in. But, the move really took a toll on my creativity. Suddenly, I had no one I knew who thought and dreamed like me. No place to create. It was a sacrifice I made to allow my family to thrive.
Until that one spring evening about 4 years ago when I got on my computer one late night searching for inspiration and discovered a new passion for newborn photography. I started searching for newborn photographers in Chicago and found that I could do a workshop to learn how to pose these tiny little beings. After I took that first newborn workshop, I was hooked!! It was something I knew I wanted to learn- it was SO challenging, yet so rewarding in many ways! I became obsessed to say the least in learning everything I could.
Now, after a start-stop beginning, I am finally in my own studio space, running my business, learning how to market and do all the un-creative stuff I don’t really like while still being a stay at home Mom. Why??? Because if I didn’t I would die inside. There’s a part of me inside that is so completely motivated by creativity. It drives me to do MANY things and go against many odds. I have sacrificed much of my time with my family, my sleep, a little sanity, and LOTS and LOTS of money to make this art.
So, the next time you consider hiring a professional, creative person please consider more than just the price tag you see. You are hiring their passion, love, sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears that they shed to do what they must. I truly feel that creating this art is good for my soul. I get to make art, but also because I’m providing something for my clients they will have forever to cherish- a slice, a moment of their lives that will never happen again. It’s an extremely rewarding and gratifying job to say the least.
Here I am stepping out of my box for a minute. I’ve been feeling very inspired by the new life I see outside my window each day. I love feeling the warmth of the sun finally after a long winter. This little love…
