One thing that I want to make sure I’m doing on this blog is being open and honest. I don’t want to be fake or like I’m pretending to be the type of person that would appeal to my readers. The truth is, I’m terrified every time I hit “Publish” on a new blog post. I’m scared that I’m not funny enough, not smart enough, and my photos aren’t exactly perfect. But the more I blog, the more comfortable I get with it and the more feedback I get from you guys! It’s such a great way to get to know myself and my voice in this industry!

I just wanted to take a minute and talk about how tempting it is to try to be exactly like other bloggers and other photographers out there. I read lots of blogs and specifically photography and wedding blogs. There are SO many talented and creative people out there who inspire me daily but make me feel insecure at the same time. Things like “I’m never gonna be as successful as her” or “How will I ever create something as beautiful as they do” are constantly running through my head. I think it’s important to remind myself and you guys that we are all creative and lovely in our own ways. A friend of mine has mentioned a few times to me that she doesn’t think she’s creative at all because she can’t draw or “use her imagination.” But she’s one of the most quick-witted people I’ve ever met! That’s a type of creativity, in my opinion! I’m not the person at the party that is going to have everyone laughing, but I can create memories of the party with my photographs. We’re all made differently and see things differently. That’s the beauty of people.

I just figured that since I was struggling with this today, maybe someone else was too. I’m officially adding another goal to my list for 2013: to be more open. I want to know you guys and I want you to truly know me. How else can I run a successful business that’s focused on people? I want to be able to capture your personalities in my photos and I think step one is for me to learn how to be more vulnerable and to be “myself.”

Sooooo…….yeah. That’s my rant. Be sure to check back for a “realer” who*what*when-sday post :)

PS: look at all my different hair colors! Guess that’s what happens when your step-mom is a hairstylist!