Embarking the fine art world of photography

After a lot of thought and soul searching, I decided to shut down a good portion of my portrait business and concentrate on fine art photography for the home.

This is something I have been struggling with for almost two years. While my clients have always loved my portrait work and I have been hired by big corporations for portrait work, I always felt like something was missing and I no longer felt creative. I would convince myself that I was just in a rut and maybe a break would help. I would take a break, come back to portrait work, and fall right back into it.

I have been stuck in this cycle for about 4 years. I have decided enough is enough.

This is not to say that I despise portrait work; I have just realized it isn’t my cup of tea and not something I enjoy doing all the time.

I originally started out over 15 years ago (probably even longer than that as I have had a camera in my hand since I was a kid) as a hobbyist landscape and wildlife photographer. About 10 years ago I started taking pictures of friends as a hobby. 3 years later after urging from friends and family I became a full-time professional portrait photographer.

A lot has changed in 10 years. I am now the editor for the newspaper, an avid blogger, and up until yesterday had a full-time photography business.

I have officially decided to go back to what I love, wildlife and landscape photography! I have spent the last week changing my business name and getting ready for my launch sometime next week.

While I will still offer portrait sessions to prior clients and those referred from clients, the amount of sessions I will take on yearly is only 20. Not only will that allow me to do what I really love to do, but it will allow me to really give each client undivided attention for a true custom high-end portrait session.

I am happy with my decision and feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I am nervous, of course. Even if I never sell one of my fine art pieces or prints, at least I am enjoying the moment and doing something I absolutely love. I feel creative again!

I plan on setting up a booth at craft and vendor fairs throughout the year, and of course, I will also sell my pieces online. While I haven’t actually launched yet, feel free to check out my shop to watch my progress through this transition and to purchase artwork for your home! Just keep in mind I am currently trying to get everything uploaded and still working on the site.

I haven’t even told my family yet, so my readers are getting the first behind-the-scenes look!

Wish me luck!