Do y’all ever have big dreams that you just hide away because you are scared, or because they seem too overwhelming? I’m going to be honest with you… I do that a lot. If I don’t feel like I know how to do something well, I just don’t do it.
When I started my photography business, I knew nothing about business. I knew I loved the creative outlet, and I loved connecting with people. Doing something like working alone was hard because I love people so much. But I couldn’t find anyone to pour into me and guide me, aside from the big “celebrity” educators in the industry. And as soon as I learned how to use my camera, I wanted to teach others who needed someone. But then I just got scared. I felt like I didn’t know enough, and so I just decided to keep growing and learning and doing my own photography thing, while trying to build community.
Then last fall, I attended a huge conference in Arizona with my best friend Zoe. At the last minute, I decided to attend a breakout session for photography educators, even though I still didn’t feel ready for that. But then the teacher, Laylee, gave me some practical advice for how to get started with baby steps.
I prayed about it and just really felt this was my next step. So I started applying to speak on podcasts, and I kept getting told yes. Every time I was so honored and amazed and I loved getting to share what I know to help others. I even applied to speak at a conference this spring.
I was told no.
It would have been easy to be disappointed and give up. But then they asked me to lead a panel group, which was a little affirmation that I was heading in the right direction and I was so excited. I continued to do podcast interviews, and I got to teach about marketing at a small Christian business women retreat in West Virginia.
Here is the crazy part.
As I was packing to head to The Graceful Gathering, the wedding photography conference where I was supposed to be a panel leader, I messaged a friend who was supposed to teach, just to tell her I was excited to see her. She replied that she was sick and wouldn’t be there…
Immediately I thought that there would be a class that needed to be taught, and I could do it! Without hesitation, I reached out to the conference host and asked if it would be helpful for me to teach that breakout session, which was on how to pose clients. She asked me to send her my pitch, and I did, and SHE SAID YES!
A bundle of nerves as I scrambled to put together the very best posing course I could, I headed to Cleveland, Ohio. Surrounded by some amazing educators and some of the best photographers in the industry, I stepped nervously on to the stage. But then something happened, and I immediately felt at ease, and like I was just sharing with friends. I felt so much joy sharing! It was scary, but I took that leap and I am so glad I did. This year I am finally stepping into that calling to educate and empower and encourage other creatives, and I cannot wait to see where this new chapter takes me!!!
Some things to come:
online education
and of course serving our KWP couples and our adoption families!!
Thank you thank you for supporting me along this crazy entrepreneur journey; without you, I would not be here!
With love,
Katelyn Workman
