Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Starting the journey...


Starting something new is never easy. As much as I love the thrill of a challenge, I hate feeling like I'm not good enough. It's only been two months since I started delving into photography. I've learned a lot, but there is infinitely more to know. This isn't something you become good at overnight. It takes lots of work, lots of practice and lots of determination. Sometimes I wonder if I'm really cut out for it when I see the long road ahead. Sometimes fear sets in...


Still I know this is the right road, even though I may feel a little intimidated. I often feel afraid to invest my life in this, but I can't let fear hold me back. I know I've been given this opportunity to be used as a ministry. I definitely want to use my photography to further the kingdom by giving away a percentage of what I make and to bless others. I am so thankful that God is leading me on this journey and I want to do everything to the best of my ability. There are so many things I need to learn to balance.


So here I am. My business is growing and my husband and I are investing in it. It's a little scary and wonderful at the same time.

Has anyone been in these shoes before?

44 comments:

Petchie said...

Love these pictures! they are so beautiful and you look so pretty!

xoxo
Petchie
http://itsallofthelittlethings.blogspot.com/

Emily grapes said...

uuhh, yeah! In those shoes right now. Just went out on another photo shoot w/my friend today to practice and I felt so uninspired. so unable to give direction, or see anything that was worth shooting. And then the inadequate feelings came in, thinking I'll never be able to do this for year. I'm supposed to do a family's photos in a few weeks and I feel like I'll be horrible at it.

But truly, each day I learn, each day I have to understand I won't know it all. And with patience and perseverance, I will continue to grow, get better and do well enough. Though I seriously doubt I'll ever think I'm "there". ya know?

Emily w/Amazing Grapes

Bobbie said...

Haven't been in your shoes but your pictures are beautiful! have no fears!
:) Bobbi

leah jean said...

Well, I'm seriously considering being in your shoes in the near future...any advice for a beginner? :)

lifeinanutshell18.blogspot.com

somethingcoolerthan said...

I'm in your exact same shoes. It's scary and very intimidating, but it's what I love, and I know that God directs me where I need to go. I know he is the one person who always believes in me.

Leigh said...

God has a beautiful plan for you! With His guidance, you have absolutely nothing to worry about!
I love His promises!
Love, Leigh

photography4thecreator said...

I am in the same place as you! I think your photos are outstanding, and personally, I enjoy every one!

Janelle

photography4thecreator said...

I am in the same place as you! I think your photos are outstanding, and personally, I enjoy every one!

Janelle

Anonymous said...

Oh yes. It's overwhelming, but the Lord is faithful. He backs up His plans. You learn so much from Him in the process.

Heather @ Finding Beauty in the Ordinary said...

Yes. We definitely have. But knowing you and your hubby, I'm sure you two have taken time to pray and seek out God's Will for your life & I'm very confident that everything will work out perfectly! :) You look ABSOLUTELY STUNNING in these photos!!!

Kate said...

These pictures are stunning!! and i love your style!! Keep up the good work love!

In our sea of love

Courtney B said...

YAY! You totally need to dive into your photography, because you are TALENTED! Honestly! I love all of your photos!
I'm so glad your business is growing :)

stephanie said...

you definitely have a good eye! your photo's are great and i love that dress! xo

eliz said...

ahhh-mazzzing! Your pictures..and your dress...

Laura said...

love the 1st and last. but I'm confused, is this Photography, ministry, or both?!

Gail@Sophisticated Steps said...

Jennifer, the first newborn shoot I did, I was a nervous wreck. It took hours. HOURS! I was hot. I was tired. I felt like they'd see through the fact that I wasn't an "expert" yet. I forgot that I still knew a lot more than they did. I forgot that God had already given me the talent that I needed. I went home, five hours later and edited a gazillion pictures for days and days. I was wiped out. In the end, they LOVED the pictures. I sold three very large wall portraits and an entire book. I had the honor of seeing them framed in her home, one of which was a surprise to her husband...an unstaged shot (the best kind!) he didn't know I got of him kissing his son. They were amazing (if I may say so). The feeling I got knowing THEY were happy was worth every worry, struggle and drop of sweat.

It's obvious you have talent. I told you that a long time ago! Do I doubt myself at times? Oh, yeah. We ALL always have more to learn, but I think you're definitely traveling the right road.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will direct you PATHS." :)

Unknown said...

You have so much talent, Jen! Keep up the amazing work!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my dear, those pictures alone tell me your doing the right thing.

You keep walking down that path that He put you on, your going to do amazingly!

Kerrie Williams said...

I feel that way every time I take a group on a mission trip. I wonder, am I good enough at this? It takes a constant surrender and remembering that God chose me for this particular thing and that he wouldn't have done so if he wasn't going to equip me. I LOVE the last photo. Beautiful colors! And you're doing a fabulous job Jen.

... said...

Gorgeous pictures!! :) All you need to do is give everything to God, trust in His will for you, and He will make your paths straight! :)

Sfizi e Sfarzi Moda said...

La terza foto รจ bellissima.

mary said...

Hi beauty pie! That first pic with the trees is out of control. I would love to blow it up headboard size and plaster my wall with it. Amazingness!!! Keep being a brave beaut', it's working! Go jenny go! xox!

Anonymous said...

Your photography is sooo beautiful. Breath-taking actually!

Jen said...

I have complete faith in you Jen. You are an amazing photographer, and person, and I just know you're going to keep doing amazing things with your life, with your photography and your compassion!

Unknown said...

I know exactly how you feel! My friend and I started doing photography together and have to continue to remind myself that its gonna take time to get where I want to be.

Rebecca said...

WOW! i haven't been here in awhile & i can already tell you've grown as an artist!!! beautiful ~ i wanna take pictures like you when i grow up! ;

i've been there. i was 25 when we started our business! it was exciting-scary-challenging-tiring-rewarding, a whole lot of things! it has strengthened us in our faith more than we ever could have imagined. just continue to put Christ first & he'll make your paths straight!!!

Proverbs 3:5-6

Anonymous said...

Change can be so intimidating, but it's only through growth and change that we can truly become the person we are supposed to be. Isn't there a saying...Nothing good ever comes easy? I think that's true. It takes hard work, faith, determination, and a lot more to succeed. I think you're on the right path. Don't doubt yourself - you've got a lot of talent!

Meredith Sledge said...

You're totally made for photography. Your photos are incredible, Jennifer!!! INCREDIBLE. I think they get better every single day. Check out this blog if you haven't already. It helped me learn so much!

http://jasminestarblog.com

Lindsey A. Turner said...

With Photography, you either have the talent for it or you don't. From seeing your photos I am convinced, you definitely have the talent! I would keep praying about whether it's what God wants for your life but do not doubt your ability for a minute!

Lindsey Turner
http://thriftandshout.blogspot.com

Natalie @ NS Pottery said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jennifer! I've been thinking lately that I'm not in a position to really make a difference in the world. Some people, you know- teachers, pastors, missionaries, doctors- seem like they have a much greater potential. But I know that through giving and blessing others with what I make that I can make a difference too. Love you!

Janette said...

You are talented! And I know it's the Lord that has given you this amazing gift.. Would love love love to interview you for my Photo-Femme series.. basically I just ask you a few questions about your photography and you get to share some pictures.. Would you be interested? Let me know.. If not.. that's cool!

Janette, the Jongleur

Breeanna @ a brilliant melody said...

how exciting for you! That must be a big and scary step to take. I think you made a great choice because your photography is beautiful!

Megan said...

Wow , this was truly inspiring.

A Lost Feather said...

you have a great eye. believe in yourself, stand up for your work- be confident in your abilities.. that is the biggest piece of advice i can give to another artist. never doubt your work and never apologize for it. we all have off days where we think we can't do it, but we can if we want to :) i'm in the same boat for sure.. i quit my desk job a year ago to be a full time artist. what a whirlwind it's been :)

Vera said...

You definitely have an eye on photography! I love these pictures, you,re very beautiful!

http://www.withmiracle.blogspot.com/

Off Label Mama said...

Honestly Ms. Blair? You're doing just fine. Seriously! Yes, I agree you should learn more and refine your techniques, but DONT overdo it. I browse a lot of photography just because I'm interested in it and the bigger photogs who get more popular.... well, they lose something. They really do. I don't know if they're trying to do too much, if they get in a rush, or what, but a certain elemant to big photogs is just...... gone.

Yes, learn. Practice. But always stay true to who you are.

Anonymous said...

Your pictures are stunning! I am right there with you as I have recently launched my own interior design business and I feel the same fear and self doubt you just described. Stay confident in the direction of your dreams! God will not take you where His grace and provision will not cover you! I just discovered your blog and am looking forward to reading along as you travel down this road!


http://grainofsaltandspoonfullofsugar.blogspot.com/
http://dahliasdreamsanddamask.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Keep it up! I love that last picture. You do great work! :) xx, AnaLisa

best pre workout supplement 2012 said...

I love your picture.. Keep it up

Melissa Anne said...

Sweet girl, remember, God will be with you! If it's one thing I've learned without a doubt, it's that God will supply you with everything you need for the purpose in which He will place you. He'll give you the tenacity to learn, determination to succeed and joy that you need.

xo livelylittlemiss.blogspot.com

Liz said...

I am eager to follow along on your journey. EVERYONE struggles with feelings of inadequacy. But be confident in your abilities! I'm a newbie here and I am very impressed with your photos. You are incredibly talented and I know your business will go far!

Allie said...

Gorgeous pictures! thanks for following me, i'm happy to follw you back and see more amzing posts!

A Girl named Allie

meg @ oursomethingnew said...

I love these pictures! Your blog is looking great - I love all the changes that you've made to the look. Hope you are doing well!

the Petterson Family said...

I LOVE your photography! I have been following you for a while now and I have seen so much change in your photography...sooooooo much beauty in your work!

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