Cornish, Maine Newborn & Wedding Photographer // What's It Like To Be A Small Business Owner

What is it like to own your own business? This can vary depending upon what type of business you run, but as far as being a photographer, it’s a pretty sweet deal.

First, let me tell you what there people seem to think that owning your own business is like. I’ve been told that it must be nice just to kinda hang out all day and “wait around” until I have to pick up my kids from school. Okay, I do make my own schedule, but I’m hardly waiting around for anyone all day. I’m sure that the other parents that see me drop my kids off and pick them up daily assume that I do a lot of day drinking or watch my “stories” on TV. Truth be told, I spend majority of my day in front of my computer or talking on the phone with clients just like most people at their day jobs. Super glamorous, right!?

At first, I too believed that becoming my own boss would magically open up all this time for my personal life and when I was working I would be taking pictures on some pretty amazing adventure. The reality is that probably 90% of what I do for my business is business-y type stuff and not actually taking any pictures. Who knew? Right?!? And, honestly, at first it was really overwhelming. I was not a business person and, let’s be real, I suck at being a “sales person”. So the idea of only taking pictures 10% of the time and filling my schedule with business crap that I had not a clue how to do was terrifying.

Fast forward a million years and, honestly, I would not have it any other way. I have found some balance between family and work, which is super important. I still manage to leave myself open to the worried bride or questions of a new parent that is about to have their first newborn session. I love getting to know my clients and it’s really part of what making what I do so rewarding. Also because I think it’s important to have great communication with my clientele. Yes, that means that sometimes I am answering emails on the weekend while out with my family or on a day that I blocked “off”. But my family understands the trade off. That means I’m around and at home most, even if I’m editing they can still come to me if needed. Yes, I work 6-7 days a week. It’s something that I’ve kinda gotten used too. Owning a small business is not for the faint of heart. You have to remain determined to make yourself successful while constantly learning. I really couldn’t imagine doing anything else!