One thing that breaks my heart is hearing another photographer say “My photography is good enough and I don’t need help in that area.” Photographers, we can ALWAYS get better and why would you want to invest your life into something where you can’t excel? We have a fantastic community full of amazing women and men who can teach us valuable lessons on how to “survive” wedding seasons or help you figure out that “dag gone” setting on the camera that pops up randomly. Along with education you also get a chance to meet a person who has similar dreams and aspirations. These women or men could be the exact person you need to talk to OR can give you a name of someone who can help. Just as I strive to build relationships with my clients…I strive to have relationships with other photographers.

I went to a conference called CLIC where my idol, Katelyn James was talking. That was the SOLE purpose of me going and in my stubborn nature I didn’t care about the other speakers or attendees involved. I just wanted to see and hear Katelyn. Let me tell you! She was amazing and I couldn’t have been more impressed BUT I was unintentionally closing myself off from the other speakers. I was sure that I couldn’t have any other person impress me like Katelyn and I was proven wrong.

The CLIC conference had about 50-75 women in attendance and Katelyn James was the last speaker. I remember immediately making friends but my mind was set on hearing my idol speak about her experiences. That is, until a blonde tinker belle sized photographer with a feisty and fun attitude marched on stage. Her name is Amanda Hedgepeth and she showed up and stole the show. At 22, I had just graduated college and I was focused on becoming a well known photographer. I had a career on my mind and THAT’S IT! Amanda stepped on stage and told her story, about finding the love of her life and starting a family. She also explained about starting her career and that many people told her she couldn’t have both. How could she possibly balance her time between wedding photographer, mother, and wife? Well…she has and she is such a positive influence. She showed me that there is more than one right way to achieve your goal. I quickly met with Amanda for some one on one mentoring and saw a completely new perspective. I realized that I wanted more than just a career, more than just a photography business.

When Katelyn talked at the conference it was amazing and everything I could have wished for. She answered questions that I was dying to figure out. I eventually went to a coaching session with her and my obsession became worse! But…I will never forget opening my eye to another source of inspiration and constantly continuing my education. I now read 2 blogs religiously. Katelyn’s… where I will hear about amazing couples and her adventure’s abroad to amazing destinations, and Amanda… where I hear about her beautiful daughters, her life in OBX, her dedicated husband, and her love of photography. These two women have helped define my dream and goals and I can’t thank you guys enough each day. I thank my lucky stars every day that I continue to educate myself about the world I surround myself with!

Check out their blogs here!!

Katelyn James   http://katelynjamesblog.com/

Amanda Hedgepeth  http://amandahedgepethphotographyblog.com/