06/30/2020
It's taken me 10,000 hours to finally identify as a pro photographer.
While cleaning up my photo files, that go back to 2010...
I've realized,
Although I've made SO MANY, like 1,000, damn mistakes and have been the worst business owner at times...
If there's one thing I know I can never be judged or criticized for it's that I have practiced my craft to my fullest potential and continue to every single day...
Not only have I invested money on the 3 cameras, 2 external flashes, 100's of SD cards, studio lighting & equipment, backdrops, PROPS (hello dumpster diving :), and SO MANY editing programs that I've lost count over the last 10 years,
I've spent OVER 10,000 hours studying how to edit, how to pose newborns, how to use natural light in any situation to make the photo come alive, how to build a home studio, how to edit in Photoshop with Actions, in Lightroom with Presets, with OVERLAYS, how to do business with miserable people, and how to LOVE my amazing clients, AND that's just skimming the top of all of the energy and time I've invested into this practice...
..of being a real photographer...
And you know what?
It wasn't until last summer, of 2019, when I could finally, actually, truthfully define myself as a professional photographer.
Yes. It took me almost 10,000 hours!
I'll still make mistakes, I'll still p**s people off I'm sure but this time, every single move I make and opportunity I take and offer, is backed by LOVE, INSPIRATION, AND SERVICE.
So, who is Nikki today? She is a professional photographer who deserves to be rewarded for her time, energy, and service and MAD TALENTS behind the camera *wink wink*