The first time I introduced myself as a photographer – and didn’t qualify it with ‘My day job is … but …’ – was only a few months ago. It was on my flight to England in April and the woman next to me and I were making small talk.
That’s it. Nothing more. I didn’t even give her my card.
But – and I know this sounds a little sappy – it was quite a turning point for me.
Silly, huh?
Ever since then I have felt confident enough to introduce myself as a wedding photographer and then only if it comes up will I admit to having a day job that pays the bulk of the bills.
Before, I felt very conscious of the fact that I had only shot a handful of weddings, compared to the 30+, 40+, 50+/year weddings other photographers shoot. Nevermind the fact I had only really been pursuing weddings for less than a year. I felt like I had to explain or justify the fact that there are 8-10 hours every day when I am unavailable by phone or email.
But really …. what difference does it make, right?
I want to be a full-time photographer. I am working diligently toward all of my income coming from weddings. I am a wedding photographer and do own a business (even if all my income thus far has gone into the business).
Can I get an ‘Amen’?!
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2 Responses to “The first time I introduced myself as a photographer”
You get a double AMEN! from me.
The first time I said I was a photographer out loud was to the nurse in the surgery recovery unit after I had open heart surgery. I remember thinking that if I said it out loud it would be true. 
Totally agree.