You know how you remember the day when something significant happens in your life? Well, I remember the significant day when I decided I was going to teach photography full-time...
It was a beautiful, sunny morning in South Florida and I decided to go for a walk to think about what I really wanted to do with my photography. The date was February 6, 2019 and the time was 9:25am when I made the decision that transformed my business. (Ok, I'll confess, I actually had recorded my thoughts on my cell phone while I was walking so I have the exact date and time.)
But, I do remember exactly where I was at that defining moment. I had just reached the Palm Beach Inlet and was watching the waves crashing over the jetty wall. The decision was final. I decided to dedicate 100% of my business on teaching photography lessons.
I felt so energetic, motivated, and excited about this path I was about to take.
I couldn't wait to get home and start making this new direction take shape.
A little history...
A couple of years ago I took some time off work and closed my wedding and portrait business, Studio Eleven Photography, that was founded in 2007 in Frederick, Maryland.
I wanted to pursue some other interests and adventures and, honestly, I just needed a change and some new challenges. In October 2017, we moved from Maryland to Florida. Long story short...It's where we've wanted to live for quite some time (I'll tell that story another time).
I put my DSLR cameras away and sold most of my photography equipment after closing my business. I never stopped taking photographs during that "sabbatical" and found that my cell phone fulfilled the need to create. It was fulfilling at least for a little while, but then that changed.
After a few months I found that I missed my Nikon DSLR, so I dusted it off and started photographing again.
I also decided to reestablish Studio Eleven. I built a new website, revived my social media accounts, and was back in business in a few weeks. I really loved photographing portraits and weddings but I struggled with what I wanted to do with my photography skills this time around. I felt I had to change something, but wasn't sure what that was.
I love to teach photography
It was so rewarding when I taught lessons part-time and worked an adjunct photography instructor at the community college in Maryland. So, why not teach full-time and let the younger generation handle the portrait and wedding photography business? A direction in my career made all the difference in getting my business back up and running.
It was time to change my branding
I no longer have a studio space and the name of Studio Eleven Photography just didn't fit anymore. I love this little island I live on and we moved to Florida for the sunshine, so the name of Island Sun Photography was chosen and I rebranded with my favorite colors of aquamarine and yellow.
Fast forward to today...
I'm teaching full-time now, both in-person and live online lessons via a virtual classroom. I have some amazing students who are quick learners, artistic, and fun to teach. Each student wants to learn something a little different and they all have different learning styles. It makes my job challenging and also rewarding when they tell me that they are enjoying my lessons and learning from me.
I look forward to meeting more wonderful people who put their trust in me to teach them photography!
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