The life of a Full Time Photographer during Covid-19

It took me 9 years to take the leap to quit my factory job and choose to make Photography my full time career. Then a Pandemic happens.

(Fun fact I bought this shirt right after I quit said factory job)

Well, I created a Blog

One of the things I had yet to do in my Photography career is make my own Blog.

Quarantine has provided me with the time to accomplish this, not sure what this has unleashed though. A girl cooped up with her own thoughts over the last 35+ days ready to talk about it all? Seems a bit scary doesn't it?

Let me start from the begining

As of January 2020 I decided to leave my factory job and pursue this full time as I had booked well over enough Weddings for the year, my savings were good (good enough for a Pandemic??) lol I will get to that. My mini sessions were always sold out so I knew I could do this.

The month of January was great. I finally got FULLY caught up on all my photos. When was the last time I could actually say that? Probably 2 years ago I might have had a week where I was caught up and not overwhelmed by more incoming work. (Not saying that's a bad thing) Being busy is who I am. I have always been a busy body.

February, I was lucky to have a 10 hour wedding that took place about 3 weeks prior to the Pandemic. I couldn't be more thankful that I was able to photograph this winter wedding when I did.

March, I was starting to plan out my mini sessions for the next few months and was getting deposits from clients for as far out as April/May (lol) Little did I know that March 22nd was going to be the last day I photographed a client.

Covid-19

IF for some reason you are reading this years from now and do not know what Covid-19 is it is a deadly virus that has spread throughout the world and affected many in different ways.

It is now May 3rd and I have not been able to photograph anyone since March 22nd (42 days) I might not be photographing anyone for another 13-25 more days depending on the Shelter In Place extentions.

I have had 5 weddings postpone. 1 of which moved to a date that I will not be able to photograph. Numerous sessions/mini sessions that have been postponed/canceled. (literally too many to count) 3 Bridal/Marketing events cancelled.

So what now?

Well as a creative I got to stay creative. I also needed to stay present. I didn't want to leave my clients/followers in the dark and not communicate with them and show them I was still here and most of all staying P O S I T I V E.

The month of April I began a 30 day Photo Challenge inspired by another Photographer who inspires me very much. This pushed me to connect back to the beginer photographer that I was when I first picked up a camera back in 2011 and just photographed things around the house.

My clients have been extremely supportive as well. Some of the brides paying portions and even the remainder of their wedding payments. Clients with upcoming sessions/mini sessions paying their remaining payments. Past clients purchasing prints through PASS where a portion of the profits come back to me, from sessions/weddings that took place months or even years ago.

It is extremely heartwarming to see all of the acts of kindness right now.

As I said before, I have savings, we are good, it is tough to be making income and then suddenly see your account at a stand still. But I know we will make it through this.

The plus side

Business wise

• I have updated my website and worked on improving other social networks.

• Invested into both The Knot & Wedding Wire.

• Submitted my photos for the first time into a Photo Contest.

• Connected with other local and out of state small businesses to support each other.

Home life

• I have cleaned AND organized my entire house. No more clutter THANK GOD.

• Walked Lana (our dog) every day for 3 miles a day. If weather is bad I have walked on the treadmill that was collecting dust.

• We have had home cooked meals every day (except 1 or 2 trips to Tropical Smoothie).

• Worked on SELF CARE. Enjoying the sunny days. Just sitting outside drinking my morning coffee.

See the good. The positive here. We have all have come together more than ever to support each other in this community struggle.

So stay positive ya'll, we will make it through this together.

-Rebecca

#covid #stayhome #staysafe #staypositive