“JUST DIVE IN AND DO IT.”

It’s good advice, except when it’s not. If you want long term success, you must build a solid foundation.

At the start of my photography career, I could have prepared myself better by assisting for other photographers. I never did that – I dove in. Making mistakes helped me learn VERY quickly, but these mistakes affected other people. Some could have been avoided.

If you want to start a business, I recommend taking time to build skill and reputation. In this digital age we all want immediate results. My mother reminds me that I am still building my reputation. I watched my parents build two biotech companies that each took 10 solid years to establish. After 7 years of being a photographer I continue to work on my skill, promote myself, and grow. Each wedding, each lead, each celebrity that I photograph will gradually move me forward. I may not be an overnight sensation like Justin Bieber but I feel good about what I have to offer. The end result is confidence and long term success.

I know I have built something good.