So...Now What?

I keep asking myself that. In the scope of so many different parts of my life.

We've been married for 2 years, now what? My toddler is active and out of control (sometimes in a good way), now what? I have this business, that I love with all of my heart and put a large amount of energy into, now what? I've poured all of my time and talents into two wonderful charities to try and make a difference, now what?

From another perspective, it would seem as if I should just float. Exist. Be happy the way things are....but I feel as if I've run up against a brick wall.

Obviously, no photographer ever "made it" by just staying stagnant. Taking the same pictures, charging the same prices, going to the same locations.....you get the "picture" (ha ha)

I know many aspiring photographers in my life that would tell me, "you should just be happy with the business you get" and, "you're so lucky to be able to shoot more than once a week". But luck really has nothing to do with it, in my opinion. I've worked my butt off, invested a ton of money and above all- poured everything I had into gaining the knowledge to compose a well exposed and creative photograph.

On the flip side, I had a NILMDTS colleague tell me this weekend that the prices I charge for prints are absurd. That if I continue to charge these prices and then raise them at some point, my clients will have sticker shock. I was told that just because I'm not a "full time studio" now, does not mean I should undercut myself or treat myself as anything less than a prized professional photographer.

It's such a hard balance in between the hobbyist turned small business owner and the cutthroat diehard photography buffs. We never agree, on anything. Especially pricing.

I just feel like, "where do I go from here". I want to be successful but that doesn't completely mean money for me. I want to give back and that dips into the small profit I do incurr. I want to grow as a photographer and seize every opportunity I can to learn and create and yet....I feel as if I'm doing things the wrong way sometimes.

I wish someone would write the manual on being a "professional artist" (the quotes mean it's a joke)