We've collaborated with 8 wonderful photographers from across the country to share some life lessons that they've learned from their time in professional photography.
You can find all these photographers and more in our Nationwide Directory.
1. Don't wait.
"Take the family photo. Please don't wait. You don't need to _______ first (lose 10 pounds, color your grays, get the Botox, etc.) or make sure all of your outfits coordinate. If there's one thing I've learned, no one is promised tomorrow. I've done too many family photo sessions where it ended up being their last one with everyone together. If you can't hire a professional photographer, get a friend or neighbor to capture your family together especially if timing is of the essence. Just take the photo. I promise you won't regret it, but I also promise you will regret it if you don't."
-Wendy from Wendy Sorensen Photography (Iowa)
2. Love our differences.
"Appreciate other's differences. We are all unique in our own way, and we show this through our photos. Our style, our subjects, our lighting choices, all of it. We photographers are all amazing at what we do, and we all see the same subject differently. Embrace other's art, embrace your art."
-Jessica from Jessica Merithew Photography (North Carolina)
3. You're never too old to learn.
"Never stop learning, in photography and in every other area of your life. You can always, always 'learn new tricks,' no matter how old you are (in human years or dog years). Complacency is a shortcut to failure... but if you keep learning and evolving, you'll never be stagnant."
-Lydia from Apollo & Ivy Photography (Iowa)
4. Embrace the chaos.
"A good family photo session is a lot like life. It's chaos in the moment and can feel like a bit of a mess at times. The kids aren't doing exactly what you want or hope and distractions may be happening around you. But when you look back on your finished portraits, when you look back on your life, it's sweet and silly and yours. And it's absolutely beautiful."
-Teale from Teale Brown Photography (New York)
5. Be present.
"One life lessons photography has taught me is mindfulness. Some people believe taking a photo distracts you from the moment, but it does the opposite for me. When I'm taking a picture I become more focused and fully aware about what is happening. It stops my racing brain from thinking of 100 other things so I can just be in the moment."
-Mary Beth from Mary Beth Miller Photography (Pennsylvania)
6. Be vulnerable.
"The journey itself is transformative. Working with a professional pet photographer is an exercise in vulnerability and trust. You’re opening your heart to a stranger, inviting them to witness the most intimate moments between you and your pet."
-Jessica from Bark & Gold Photography (Pennsylvania)
7. Strive for growth.
"Like every other industry, the art of Photography ebbs and flows. What you're proud of today, may make you cringe 6 months from now. It's ok to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Don't lose sight of your "why" trying to race your way to the top. Enjoy the journey and embrace growth. Challenge yourself and never get "too" comfortable."
-Jennifer from Jennifer Brandes Photography (Minnesota)
8. Boring is beautiful.
"Photography has taught me to pay attention to the small moments, the little details. While big moments and events are important, it's the small, mundane, daily interactions between you and your kids that actually matter. Those little details are the things we'll remember suddenly, years later. Paying attention helps us stay present and helps us appreciate those small moments later."
-Allison from Allison Patel Photography (Virginia)