Photography: my new job! *I love it!*
 

That's right, I now have my *dream job*! I never thought I'd actually get the chance to do my all time favorite hobby full-time, and for decent pay at that, but I am!

Our studio mostly does high-end weddings and engagements but also many family portraits, senior portraits, etc. We have a studio but since we live in such a beautiful city, we enjoy doing lots of on-site photography outside of the studio. The business consists of the main photographer, and me. That's it!

I spend my weekdays doing touchups and edits in photoshop, as well as putting together webshows and designing flush-mount photo albums. (We call them Fine Art Albums and they're sooo neat!)

ANYWAY, this week we've officially moved into WEDDING SEASON which means for us, 4 weddings in 9 days! It will be crazy like this for the rest of the summer! I'm having a great time, though, and the ability to spend time with a Canon 20D, juggling fancy lenses, taking great photos and making memories that these brides will remember forever is, to me, like the proverbial kid-in-a-candy-store! :yay_jump:

For the past year-and-a-half, my goal was to launch my own wedding photography and on-site protraiture business by April 2006. But that isn't going to happen because of my new job.......I skipped from starting out doing small-time business at the bottom STRAIGHT TO THE TOP working with the best in the business! I have no doubt in my mind.

Anyway, I could go on and on and I don't want anyone to think I'm bragging or proud by any means....I'm just excited. I think everyone should do what they love and love what they do. I just consider myself truly lucky to have this chance.

Here are a few of my favorite photos I've taken in late Feb/early March 06.

I'm sure God is laughing at me because He knew all along, but I never saw it coming! :p I'm humbled, really. When I was unemployed, I was told that I ought to pray to God and ask Him for the job I wanted the most.....and my prayer went something like this, "God, I'd love to do photography and photo editing full-time but, um, yeah right like that job would ever come along. Amen."

Three days later the job opening came to me out of the blue requesting my name to apply. Less than a week later, I was hired. Four days after being hired, I shot my first wedding.

Unbelievable, but true! I'm still in shock (can you tell?)

Last four, for now.

I am so happy for you! What a great job you have come across. Your work is amazing, and I love looking at the photos you have shot! It truly is so special that you have found a job that involves doing something you love, and something that you are so talented at. :thumbup: Go Val!!!

Congrats Val...You do such awesome work...

Oh my gosh Valerie! I'm so excited for you, this is the dream job! I'd love to do it too, you're very lucky! I hope you have an awesome time! YAY!! CoNgRaTs!

Congratulations. :cheer: :clapsmile :congrats:

There is nothing better than doing something you love and then being able to make money doing it. I applaud your faith in the power of prayer. So many people are embarrased to talk about it. "Ask and ye shall receive"

WooHoo! Congratulations, Val. And that's good news for YTers, too. The more you learn, the more we learn! Awesome shots. You're a natural!

You are very talented! I'm so glad you found your dream job!

Oh Val!!
 

The photos are incredible!! And I am so proud of you!! Congrats on the job, dear! You deserve an incredible job!!

HUGS! :p

Congratulations!!!!!!

The best job, is one you love doing!!!!!
We are so happy for you!!!! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

Congratulations Val! The photos are great! Isn't the power of prayer awesome!!

It's wonderful to hear someone so enthusiastic about her work! It really sounds like a fun job, and I'm very happy for you. :)

OH my gosh! Valerie! You are awesome! Those are some of the most beautiful photographs I have EVER seen in my life! You do such wonderful work! I can totally see why you got the job!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Your pictures are great :)
Any bride having you as her wedding photografer is a lucky bride - the care and love you put in to it, shows in your pictures :)

It couldn't happen to a nicer person. Congratulations. The pictures are beautiful.

Oh Val...I knew it would happen for you ! That's wonderful news and the photos are FANTASTIC ! Every decision you've made this last year led you right to this.....WAY TO GO !

Congratualtions Val!! That is so awesome!

Way to go Val!! :happyboun

I am a wedding photographer also. Your stuff is beautiful! Congrats on getting to do what you love!

To me this is what Bliss is ..doing what you love and love doing it .creating a happy life .I am so happy for you and i love your pics.I did something i hated for the money for 20 yrs then i finally took a chance and did what i loved ..worked in a art school ..and was so happy every day was one filled with excitment and joy..So good advice for everyone ..take risk ..its your happy we are talking about ..in lovenlight Deb

Wow Val! You are doing an awesome job! Those pics are awesome! I am so glad that you are getting to do what you love but its been kinda sad without you around! Dont forget to come and check in on us once in awhile!

:congrats: Valerie you do wonderful work. Congrats on your new job! :congrats:

Congrats Val, i am very happy for you !

Wow!
 

:camera: Wow, Congratulations on the new job!! Those pictures were gorgeous!! Now all I have to do is find me a man to marry and your hired! Lol, looks like it was meant to be, you deserve it Val!

Congrats. Im so glad you are doing some thing that you love. :thumbup:

Wow Val!!! Congratulations, I'm sooo happy for you...Ever since I joined this forum, it's been evident that your dream is to be a professional photographer and do what you love! Those are gorgeous pictures, by the way. You're a natural :)

Congratulations, way to go!

:) Wow Nice photos.. I wish you were here to take some for me and Baby Girl.. :p YOu are a very good photographer and I wish you all the best. Btw could you do the avatar animation for me of babe girl? ill attach some pics for you to see.

CONGRATULATIONS! Those picts are awesome!!!!!!!!