Oh Elizabeth,

Try not to worry so much… You fell in love with photography, and while I am not sure you have any idea what you are doing, that is a good thing: You are free to define yourself and your business as you evolve as a woman and artist.  

Four Women Leading the Charge to Diversify the Wedding and Portrait Photography Industry

You will doubt yourself, always wanting to be better. You will work hard for many hours, for many years, before anyone knows your name. It will feel lonely at times. You will someday find yourself in distant lands, capturing beautiful moments between people in love. You will feel lucky. You will feel tired.

Most of the time, you will feel like you are juggling. You will raise three children. They will get a lot of you, and sometimes your heart will break as your work takes you away for weeks at a time. You will cry, they will cry and they will be absolutely fine. 

On Being a Destination Wedding Photographer and a Mother

Lots and lots of people won’t hire you. You will feel unsure. Somehow, through the rejection, your eye and your determination will remain intact. In turn, you will be hired by lovely people who value you, by national magazines to shoot their covers, by well-known fashion designers to shoot their campaigns. You will pinch yourself, but you will still push yourself.

Your wedding photography will open doors into other types of work. You will develop a body of work focused on women, capture lots of boudoir imagery, and pregnant women’s growing bellies and their families. You will be trusted by celebrities to capture some of the most intimate moments in their lives.

Getting Boudoir Photography Clients Comfortable With You and Your Camera

You will still find deep joy when creating images many years later. However, you will never really feel successful. 

No matter what happens, do not give up. You will feel more connected to humanity and the world around you through your work. Try and take time to enjoy the positive moments and not get too down when things are hard. All of it together is an exquisite journey—the twists and turns add texture and richness to your life. 

It’s worth it, truly.

Elizabeth Messina
Editorial Maven  
Author