Fall...for a photographer

I waited almost a year before publishing this.  In fact I almost hit delete, but I think it's important to see the 'other side' sometimes.  I don't want any of my clients to feel like they're a burden to me, especially since I feel so thankful every time someone chooses me.  It's truly a blessing to me to be able to do what I love for so many people.  I hope this doesn't come across as complaining...it's just that Fall is crazy for photographers and sometimes I feel like there isn't enough hours in the day! {that being said--I wouldn't want it any other way}
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It's Friday night. 7:03pm.  I'm sitting at the hospital waiting for a client to progress so I can take her labor & delivery photos -- my most favorite photos of all.  While I no doubt feel completely blessed to be able to do what I love, I can't help but think how I left my husband two hours ago already.  We had plans to go to dinner with friends and then start our Christmas shopping, but with a moments notice I'm out the door, because we all know labor is rarely planned.  It reminds me, again, just how blessed I am to have a husband supportive of my dreams and goals.  He didn't grumble once about me canceling our first 'free' night in months to tend to my business.  I love that when it comes to my business, I just know he'll take the kids and handle it when needed.  No giving directions for dinner time, or reminding him of bedtime duties, he just takes care of it. I really should thank him more.

While I've been gone over two hours, I know that unless something changes--quickly--I'll be here another 12 hours yet.  And sessions start again at 9a tomorrow, regardless of what time I get home tonight or how cold it is outside.  It's supposed to snow a few inches tomorrow. High in the 20's.

Crazy part about all of this is that we've had daylight saving's and I'm now in what I consider my 'off-season' or my slow time.

I say all this, not to complain, but shed light on a photographer's life.  I can't tell you how many people have said things about how nice it must be to 'make your own schedule' and even 'how nice is must be to make over $200 an hour'. And while those things are partially true.  They couldn't be farther from the truth.

During busy season this year, I was working four 10 hour days at my real job, and doing up to 15 {an average of 7} photoshoots a week, plus being a wife & mama.  I was editing until 11 or 12 at night and going to my 'real' job by 5a.  I'll save my 'photography process' for another post, but let it be known, more than the 1 hour of shooting goes into each session, making my 'hourly' wage far less than $250 an hour.  Their is so much more that goes into the fee for each session like gear & props. And let's not forget about taxes, insurance, website design, online gallery fees, credit card fees, etc.

And while I was busy taking {& editing} your family's memories of that afternoon you spent playing in the fall leaves, I wasn't able to make them with my own children.

And again, I do this all because I love it.  I enjoy it.  And hopefully, will be able to do this full time in the future.  Don't be fooled, I'm so incredibly thankful for it {especially this year}, but I had to shed light on the fact that all things come at a price, even if that price is time.  So next time you write a check for your photoshoot, be mindful that there is more to it than clicking the camera and sending your images within a week.

Happy October everyone!