jeremyleffel

I get to talk with people just starting their photography businesses all the time.  I am not in the business of giving advice…but if you are just starting out, take a minute to consider how my friend Garrett Grove started his photography career.

Garrett had already been shooting on the side for a while, and doing a darn good job with his camera.  he was mostly shooting outdoor editorial work because he loves the outdoors and adventure sports so it just made sense.  having been recently married, he was interested in taking his growing love for photography to weddings so we spent some time together talking about photography and shooting some weddings together.

Garrett found that he loved wedding photography and then spent more time with other photographers…such as the always inspiring Michèle Waite…observing their work, assisting, asking questions.  he continued to save money and bought what gear he needed and could afford.  Garrett Grove is now a highly regarded wedding AND outdoor photographer with a flourishing business and impeccable character.

I owe a lot of my start to Lynette Johnson, an incredible photographer, pioneer, and person.  she inspired me with her work and the images from my own wedding in 1998 and I am thankful for our friendship and her willingness to spend time with me.  take a minute to check out Soulumination, an organization Lynette founded to photograph children and families of children with life-threatening illness.

the bottom line: take your time. be really good at what you do. seek others you respect to help you along the way.

have you ever called that 1-800 number on the back of a truck to say something nice?  I think you should sometime.