Inspiration at it’s finest! Wow! That is the only appropriate word that comes to mind…Wow! I am returning home from attending David Jay’s Free To Succeed Tour and I have never been so proud of what I do and where my business is headed. David Jay was the EXACT breath of fresh air that I needed at this time in my life. I have a immense amount of respect for him and I know why people are paying him $15K per wedding and it ain’t about the photos people! It could be because he is just so darn cute though : )
On a serious note, I don’t even know where to begin. I am so thankful that I made the 2.5 hour drive to Orlando to see DJ. Unfortunately I took on a migraine headache about one hour before the seminar ended. However, I wouldn’t have left for h— or high water! I took something for it and kept my behind glued to my seat. DJ is, by far, one of the most humble people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting! I felt like I had known him all of my life. A couple of the gals mentioned that they felt “star struck.” I didn’t feel that way at all because he was so incredibly genuine and easy going. I took a zillion notes and absorbed every word that came out of his mouth! He was incredibly inspiring and he gave me the exact “kick in the behind” that I needed to put some value along side of my name.
When I decided to become a wedding photographer I wanted my clients view me as “a wedding experience” rather than just another “wedding vendor.” I must say that I have been so incredibly fortunate with the clients that have chosen me to be their wedding photographer because it seems like my goal has become my reality. I just had two wedding album pick ups in the last two days and I have truly been blessed by the comments and appreciation that I have felt from my clients! There is no greater compliment than that of a referral and both of these couples were quick to share how many times they have “referred me” and will continue to do so. All of my clients play such an intricate role in the success that I have had and the success that awaits me in the coming years. Most of these “clients” have become my friends and I am deeply touched by that.
DJ and I actually have a lot in common. He started out photographing a couple of friends weddings and the next thing he knew he was booking weddings on a regular basis. He dropped out of college…well, I guess we don’t have that in common because I am a college graduate : )…and he decided to become a wedding photographer. He has no formal photography training except what he learned in high school photography class because it was an easy elective he said. Ha! Ha! He freely admits that what he has learned came straight from the shelves of the local bookstore on his regular “Friday night before the Saturday wedding study marathons”…go figure. I guess the only difference is that I do all of my “training” online. If I could receive college credit for the insane amount of hours that I study online I would have a Masters degree! The point is…it isn’t about the training (yes that plays a role) but it is more about the passion and love for helping provide people with tangible memories that will follow them for the rest of their lives! I am in the business of helping people “relive the moment.” DJ sparked a fire within me to continue to strive for the admiration of those who choose me! He made me realize and acknowledge that these clients are choosing ME! That decision all in itself is a beautiful compliment and I sure hope that I have fulfilled every expectation that each of them have had when they chose me to capture their special day. Sometimes it is extremely hard to see greatness in ourselves. Instead we tend to overanalyze and compare ourselves to others. DJ has inspired me to see myself the way my clients see me. That is a difficult thing to do but I am going to make every effort to accept and acknowledge the talent that others see in me! I thanked DJ profusely for sharing his knowledge and life experience with me and he was incredibly gracious. Here are a couple more photos from the end of the evening. Thanks so much for reading about my life and my thoughts! Enjoy.
It was so great meeting you! I have wonderful time at the Tour & If your ever in the Orlando Area we def need to get together! Talk to you soon!