Dear you,

Starting out as a photographer can feel like standing at the base of a mountain. You have your camera, your dreams, and maybe a portfolio filled with photos that light you up. But where do you go from here? How do you turn your passion into a purpose—or even a business?

Let me tell you this: You are not alone.

Every seasoned photographer you admire has felt uncertain, overwhelmed, and lost at some point (who knows, maybe it’s even this point, right here right now). Here’s what I wish someone had told me when I was just starting out:

1. Love where you are now

It’s okay not to know exactly where you’re headed. In fact, now is the time to do whatever you want. Pursue those shoot ideas you come up with, try and replicate those photos that you’re pulled towards, and try out everything you come up with! This is your time to experiment, to try new things, and to make mistakes, and that’s such a freeing thing. Photograph everything—people, landscapes, pets, your morning coffee. Each shot is a lesson. Over time, your style and niche will reveal themselves naturally.

2. Learn as You Go

You don’t need to know everything to get started. Photography is a field where you learn by doing. Take courses when you can, follow photographers you admire, and experiment with your camera settings. Since you’re already here, I feel like you are currently doing some of these things and that’s amazing! If you want to look more into working with me on this, and definitely hitting the next number on this list, check out what we’re doing over on the educational side, the Laboratory Workshop side, and the mentoring side.

3. Build Connections, Not Just Portfolios

While it’s important to grow your portfolio, building relationships is just as crucial. Reach out to other photographers, second shoot at weddings, or assist on shoots. Collaboration teaches you industry etiquette, introduces you to potential mentors, and often leads to opportunities you didn’t even know existed. Think of every interaction as a new opportunity for learning or for building connections in the community.

4. Stay True to Yourself and Celebrate Your Uniqueness

It’s tempting to chase trends or replicate the style of photographers you admire, but the most memorable images come from authenticity. What do you love? What moves you? Lean into that. Your unique perspective is your biggest asset. The world doesn’t need another photographer trying to be someone else. It needs you. Your perspective, your creativity, and your voice. Trust that there’s space for what you bring to the table, which is nothing less than the truest *you*.

5. Be Patient with Your Growth

It’s easy to look at established photographers and feel like you’ll never reach their level. Remember, you’re only seeing their highlight reel. Their success likely took years of practice, rejection, and perseverance. Celebrate your small wins along the way—each one is a step forward.

When I started, I would look up to these “Instagram famous” photographers who only did creative and fun shoots (looking back now, I think they were just of friends and family and unpaid, but still beautiful), and I remember thinking, “They’re only 2 years older than me, I will never be there by that time in my life.” Guess what, though? I’m doing what I love, and they don’t even pick up their cameras anymore while their accounts have been inactive since 2016... just proof that being you and growing at your own pace really pays off.

7. Seek Feedback

Feedback helps you grow. Don’t be afraid to ask for constructive criticism from those you trust. It’s how you refine your craft and learn from your mistakes.

A Final Note:

You might not know where you’re going yet, and that’s okay. I never have all of the correct answers because there are so many answers to one question when it comes to art. I am still regularly amazed that this is what I get to do and that my clients trust me to document their lives and stories. For you now, what matters is that you’re showing up and putting in the work. (could be a good time to include what you and I have done in regards to putting in the work over the summer) Over time, the pieces will come together. The important thing is to stay curious, stay kind (to yourself and others), and keep clicking that shutter.