What I Learned in 2018, My First Year in Business | Vancouver Washington Photographer | Jaime Bugbee Photography

What I Learned in 2018, My First Year in Business-Vancouver Washington Family Photographer

I have loved photography since I was a kid. At age 12, I picked up my dad’s Sony DSLR, I was hooked and was in the backyard for hours taking photos of anything that interested me. It was a way I loved to learn and express myself-even if I didn’t really know what I was doing, I knew I could see things differently through a lens of a camera.

Spring 2018

I was scrolling on Facebook, getting lost in the vortex of posts and advertisements-something caught my eye. It was two women based out of Seattle that had an online community for women in business called LadyBoss Workshops, it was mostly for photographers but really any creatives were welcome.

Welcome…yes! That is what stopped me from scrolling.

I had yearned to find other photographers that would be open to sharing anything and everything about how to run a photography business and how to become a better photographer. If you are in the business of being creative you know that you don’t always get such warm and welcoming arms! I get it, you worked hard to get where you are and it’s scary to share that!

Community over competition

This was the first lesson I learned.

This was a relief for me, I never wanted another photographer to feel l was stealing their ideas or potential clients-I just wanted to learn as much as I could so I could be the best that I could be for me, as well as my clients! I believe that its how you attract the right people and you can continue to love your photography with out getting “burned out.”

I learned that finding a supportive tribe of others is so important to keep going and bounce ideas off of one another. I was really honored to be featured with some incredible artists in a photography community! It was one of the highlights of my year for my business!

Create before you consume

It’s me that makes my images unique and different, the way I see connections with people and the world. Not everyone will see or feel what I shoot-that’s the good news. The ones who do will appreciate my work and value it!

Being true to your vision and not getting sucked into what I think my images should look like or what I think people want is a trap that I used to be in. I didn’t like photographing people because I thought everyone had to have a perfect smile and look at the camera, that is so not me. I love a little chaos in a photo, I think it feels more authentic and real.

Set boundaries

I’m so guilty of not doing this for myself! I work full time as an RDH, I am a mom to a two-year old, and a wife. I do my business on weekends, after my son goes to sleep weekdays after working all day, and I stay up late. I had to learn (and still learning this) to give myself hours! I needed to sleep, have some down time to myself, and be present with my family and not be a slave to my emails and online accounts. It’s hard because I truly love this but there is a time to clock in and a time to clock out.

Charging what I am worth

By far, the toughest.

I worked for free or very little for many years before I decided I would officially be in business. It was scary to to see the number I would need to make a profit, pay taxes, pay myself a fair wage for my time away from my family, for my talent, a sole proprietor license, software, travel, location scouting, educational workshops, equipment, rentals, website, insurance, and I am sure I am missing something else. HA!

My point is, putting myself out there was scary! But you know what else it was? Amazing!

Become a student

I am a part of multiple online photography educational programs. It can be tough to have your work critiqued but it has really given me a sharper eye, better images, and has helped me improve so much in my photographs and business.

I am typically learning something new via online on my lunch breaks at work or when my son goes to bed after a long day-yeah about those boundaries!

I really love learning so it keeps me up late and working hard but it’s been one of the best investments I have made this year!

What’s coming in 2019…

I am starting off the new year with a business intensive workshop in Seattle with LadyBoss Workshops and I cannot wait! I am really looking forward to learning as much as possible from these amazing ladies and meeting other photographers! Also, I am planning on taking a newborn workshop as well that I am so excited about and looking forward to sharing that with you.

As far as the rest of the year, you can expect me to be working my ass off, having fun at it, and really REALLY appreciating all of you who have followed me, recommended me to someone, and who have been supportive!

It means more to me than you know!

Thank you!!

#top9of2018