Last week, I introduced myself a bit here on my blog. I told you the next time I post, I would tell you why I love my job so much.

Ever since 2012, I knew that eventually I would like to try my hand out in a photography business, but it would likely be a family photographer. Most of the shoots I did for friends and for practice were of families, and as a family photographer, you actually get repeat clients year after year! The problem is, I didn’t love those shoots. I didn’t feel like they weren’t my best work. And after every family session, I came home exhausted.

On the other hand, I did not always think I was cut out for being a photographer to high school seniors. My first few attempts were a little rough, and posing was a bit of a nightmare for me. But here’s the thing: I LOVE being around teens. In fact, in my church while we were living in Iowa, I was in the youth organization. I loved working with the teens in my congregation! And what do ya know, a couple years after living here in Michigan, I was called to be with the 12-18 year-old girls in my congregation here.

My husband tells me often that I have a way with the teens. I think it’s because sometimes I still feel like one! Ha! I mean, I’m more responsible and more mature and hopefully a bit wiser, but I feel youthful. I feel a connection with them. And I love them so much.

It had been a couple years since I had last done a senior session when I was in Iowa, when someone from my church asked me to take her senior pictures here in Midland. I couldn’t say ‘no’ to her! After that, I did a few more. And then I fell in love. Posing doesn’t challenge me like it did before. In fact, I would say it’s my strong-suit. Being able to only have one person to pose who actually wants to be there is amazing!

Why I Love My Job

Connecting with the teens here in Midland has been such a highlight for me in my job. I love getting to know their hobbies, strengths, and dreams. That’s really why I love my job – the pictures I get to capture for these incredibly passionate, fun and determined teens is simply the best.

Spending time with them before their shoot, during and after all adds to developing this personal relationship with them and their parents. And being able to give them their beautiful products as a trusted friend afterwards is a reward in and of itself.

The reason why I love my job is because it’s so much more than that to me. It’s building trusting relationships with people I value time and time again. What could be better for a job than that?

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