There’s a bright side and a not so bright side to working for myself. The bright side is what everyone else sees…. the flexible schedule, being my own boss, working in my pajamas, etc. The not so bright side is what very few people see…. such as working by myself most days, a packed schedule full of things a whole office of people would normally be working on, lots of taxes, etc. Most of the time, I feel like it’s an even blend of both sides, but as you know, life is not always as balanced as we try to keep it.

Every year, there is a Wedding and Portrait Photographers International conference in Las Vegas. Last week, I, along with over 16,000 other photographers made the pilgrimage to the city that never sleeps to meet & greet, learn, shoot, and play. There were stylized shoots to attend, trade show floors to walk, classes to attend, and TONS of people to meet. Walking the 1/2 mile from my room to the convention every morning and evening, I ran into people I’ve only met in Twitter world and on the internet. We got to meet in person, bond over the lifestyle we both share, and hone our skills and knowledge side by side. It was a trip…. let me tell you! I’m so excited to implement what I’ve learned, the ways I’m working on being a better person, and the ways I’m working on being a better photographer.

At the end of every day last week, as my tired feet and overloaded brain made the long walk back to my room, I felt thankful…. thankful for the bright side.

(Photo Credit: Betsy Lackey)

There’s a bright side and a not so bright side to working for myself. The bright side is what everyone else sees…. the flexible schedule, being my own boss, working in my pajamas, etc. The not so bright side is what very few people see…. such as working by myself most days, a packed schedule full of things a whole office of people would normally be working on, lots of taxes, etc. Most of the time, I feel like it’s an even blend of both sides, but as you know, life is not always as balanced as we try to keep it.

Every year, there is a Wedding and Portrait Photographers International conference in Las Vegas. Last week, I, along with over 16,000 other photographers made the pilgrimage to the city that never sleeps to meet & greet, learn, shoot, and play. There were stylized shoots to attend, trade show floors to walk, classes to attend, and TONS of people to meet. Walking the 1/2 mile from my room to the convention every morning and evening, I ran into people I’ve only met in Twitter world and on the internet. We got to meet in person, bond over the lifestyle we both share, and hone our skills and knowledge side by side. It was a trip…. let me tell you! I’m so excited to implement what I’ve learned, the ways I’m working on being a better person, and the ways I’m working on being a better photographer.

At the end of every day last week, as my tired feet and overloaded brain made the long walk back to my room, I felt thankful…. thankful for the bright side.

(Photo Credit: Betsy Lackey)