Why I am breaking up with Photography, well, sort of.

My package that included my nice shiney new Mac got so conveniently lost by FedEx, hence why I didn't finish the Thankfulness series.  It has made for a slowwww week of editing.

Tonight, I come here, to my own little piece of the internet..where I can just be me and it is seriously my own personal form of therapy.

I have something that has really been on my heart. Please don't take offense.

This Photographer, well she has been posting really negative things on her business page lately. The truth, nonetheless, but in a brash, 'I am better than you' way. Personally, the words didn't bother me, however, I know for some new aspiring Photographers her comment could have persuaded them to put down their camera faster than light travels. Seriously... I know it is none of my business, love to look at her work and I am sure she is a sweet person who is frustrated with something or someone.         

You see, in Photography world, nothing really decides you are professional, except for the person looking and buying the photos. Its not like you get some card that deems you that way...well some do go to classes but a large part, do not. I don't know how you guys feel but some of my greatest shots were with my little ol point and shoot that I had prior to my upgrades. I know, I know, there is the argument of the shots not being that great of quality, well if that person booked someone because they liked their style, well then, that client made the choice to pay that person for their services. I've seen some pictures from some folks who know their camera buttons back and forth and I still didn't like one stinking darn picture of theirs. It's ALL about what the person looking at the picture likes. We all have different needs/wants/expectations. You don't think  that another photographer should be doing something a certain way? Or needs to be doing something different? Here is a thought...HELP them!!! 

You may be just what they need to inspire them to go the extra mile. Because while you may have that dial on M, sweetie, that A beginner is lapping around you with business sense, because who in their right mind would bash others on their business page? Wrap your brain around that one! In my experiences it is never a good thing to believe you are the best or better than anyone. Once you get so boastful that your forget where YOU came from, failure is soon to follow. I am a nobody, but the way I see it, people like to deal with nice, honest folks...not the polar opposite. RIGHT?

I get it, photography business is a DOG eat DOG world, which, totally takes my passion away from even shooting anymore. 

I am serious though, I don't know much about pictures, mine are not that great at all, BUT I have a heart, a big one, one that  would never want to discourage anyone from doing something they love to do. I don't give a flip if they were taking business from me...I would still be  genuinely nice. If  I have any knowledge that you would grow from, I would love to help. I've had people aske me a million questions and I answer them happily, because I was once there before! And a nice photographer(s) with a heart treated me with respect and answered me.

Please don't listen to the negativeness, you are great, your pictures are great and trust me keep shooting, you will be your greatest one day. We all judge, it is natural, especially in the life of social media, but try not to judge in a way that can be to the bone hurtful.

This whole situation, paired with a few others things is what is causing me to break up with Photography. Not completely, but after lots of discussion, thoughts and prayers I definitely wont be shooting full time anymore. There will be a blog post regarding this with more details within the next couple of weeks! God-willing, some plans that are in action at this very moment go through. If you already have things booked with me, please dont freak out, hehe I still plan on doing what we have planned! I still plan on shooting, Just going in a different direction. 

Please pray for me! and if you are photographer, keep shooting!
Mandi