This morning I woke up with butterflies in my stomach, nervous and fidgety over tomorrow’s wedding. “WOW? Already Marin? It isn’t even the actual WEDDING DAY yet…” I don’t really know why I get like this, but sometimes I do. I start to get anxious and worried. I begin playing things out in my head and imagining ALL the stuff that could possibly go wrong (a bride’s dress ripping, missing groomsmen, late flowers, ect.) and how I can avoid them. I like to be 10 steps ahead of the game, anticipate the next move, but a wedding ALWAYS ends up taking on a life of it’s own. So…. IF it is impossible to completely predict the “game” how can I actually be 10 steps ahead? No matter how much planning and scheduling the bride and groom prepare for or how much the coordinator coordinates, the wedding manages to breathe on it’s own accord. Sure, things will go as planned… but there is always someone who is late or there is pressure from the D.J and venue because “things are ready now!” For me, I have to be flexible and I have to be willing to bend, I have to be able to “get the shot” in the exact moment it happens. I have to know light. I have to find it and look for it, because a wedding is not always at sunset. HA HA! More like, sunset does not last for more than an hour at best. I wish a whole wedding day would be blanketed in twilight. That would be amazing and perfect (not to mention, EASY)
But, I have got to say, for all the stress that a wedding can be… I LOVE THEM! I love the energy and buzz when everyone is ready for formals, the swell of emotion as the ceremony music starts, the calm that comes as vows are exchanged, and then the rush afterwards for the perfect shot. It is a crazy thing pursuing wedding photography. It is a tough job… and a lot of photographers don’t want to do it. But, this is the career that I have chosen to go after. I have had to BELIEVE in my dream and myself, despite the criticism that surrounded me. Sure, I was never perfect, and I am still not perfect. I still have to battle criticism daily, because let’s face it: I am NOT the best photographer or coolest photographer out there, but one thing is for sure… I am trying my hardest to learn and I am dedicating myself to this craft.
Life is a continual journey, and it is meant to be lived through the mistakes and successes. Of course, there is nothing better then a pat-on-the-back or a spoken word of ‘job well done’. I think we all need it from time to time, especially by those we admire in our field of expertise. We all can doubt ourselves, but it is the drive that you have within you – to truly go AFTER what it is you DREAM about. That, my friends, is what sets you apart from the rest. That is what makes you a “professional” in this industry (or any other industry). That is what keeps you walking though the doors of life. Grab onto opportunities and chase after your dreams. Believe in yourself, the talent that you have, and all the ability that lies sleeping within you.
CHEERS to another FABULOUS wedding day tomorrow! I honestly cannot wait to experience the love, emotions, fun, and excitement….. and another opportunity to rise to the challenge. I know I can make amazing things happen (and so can you.)
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