"Amateur" is the operative word.

I've decided to go for it. Or I should say I've decided to, then against, then to, then against... charging for photos. AAHH! I know I'll change my mind again if I don't just post this today, so I'm going for it! I've thought a lot about whether or not it was way too soon. If I could possibly get away with charging for something SOO fun. I made a list... let's see:

CONS- (Why I'm TERRified to charge:)

- I like doing things I'm good at. Ross has more of a "Practice makes perfect" mentality. Mine is more,"Soar with your strengths." If I get discouraged that I might not be that natural at it, I want to run the other way. I'd hate to open myself up to criticism by charging and find out I'm just not that good. I know there's ONLY room for improvement at this point and that most likely, in a year when I look back at the photos I take today, I'll want to barf a little. But I'm thinking that's inevitable. Like reading what I thought was my best paper in Junior High or something.

- I'm quite aware that there's still a fabulous amount of knowledge I don't have on the subject. Technically and artistically.

- I WANT to take pictures of people and what if nobody wants to for $$$???

- But mostly, I'm just nervous to open myself up to criticism (as mentioned in bullet 1). Maybe I'll just elaborate some more... :) I know I'm guilty of being extra judgemental of the level of beauty of actors or models since that's their JOB, they're getting paid for it, so you're allowed to judge. I get it. When I'm just taking them for fun, of course people are going to find nice things to say about my photos. But if they're paying, they might see more of the flaws. Do I sound like I can't take an ounce of criticism?? That's not what I mean. I just really want people to be happy if they're paying money. It's a hot commodity these days.


PROS- (Why I WANT to charge):

- I really don't think there's a more enjoyable hobby right now and I LOVE taking photos of new faces with different hairdos and different eye colors and different attitudes. I appreciate any practice I've been able to get... and I love the editing process where you get to see just how vibrant and sparkly those photos can become, and just how much ATTITUDE you can capture on photo paper. However, it can, of course, take up a lot of time. My main motivation to charge is to be able to justify that time spent away from my kids and in front of the computer editing.

- I'd also love to be able to use any money I earn to eventually upgrade my camera, maybe take a photo class, get a new lens, (I think I'd love a macro lens next), and build up a collection of some fun accessories and props for photos. I want to get good. I really want to get good.


- I feel like charging will encourage me to get more creative, take photos even more often, work a little harder, try out new places and ideas, and upgrade my equip. sooner. All things that will help me get better faster.

- I honestly don't know of anyone who lives in my area who takes affordable family photos. Unless you count Sears. ;) It's hard enough to get your family all ready and have a friend come over with her point and shoot. I'm hoping this might give an option to some people who really want nice pictures taken of their family, or their kids, but don't know who to bother for it.

- I've just had to ask myself, "what's the worst that happens?" Nobody asks. And maybe I figure out I need to make a change. Or I just keep teaching myself and trying to learn as much as I can so eventually I'll be really good. And then people will. :)

- Before we know it, it's going to get super hot out here in the desert-- too hot to enjoy being photographed outside. So I'm hoping that my biting the bullet now will at least make it possible for anyone who is interested-- to get some in before it's too late!

I guess the pros won because I did it. I posted "Session Fees" on my photo blog. Doesn't it sound so official?

If you're local and interested, leave me a comment or email me at lillie_biesinger@yahoo.com!