Why I Won’t Call Myself a Photographer {But I Totally Am}

I’ve been on this photography mission for almost two years now.  It started as a passion project.  I distinctly remember calling one of my friends and asking if I could attend a few weddings with him and take some photos and see what happened.  I bought a used Mark ii… and then a lens, and then another one.  Now I have a plethora of camera gear because I simply can’t stop.  I’ve photographed over 40 weddings (not as a primary shooter, of course, but as a second photographer or assistant… or intern).  There have been some really cool opportunities in there, like photographing 10,000 Maniacs under Studio 85 or doing a few solo events for Dragon Studio as well.

What I haven’t been able to bring myself to do?  Call myself a photographer.  I think there’s a lot of weight that comes with that (or should), and I don’t want to give the wrong impression.  There is still SO much for me to learn.  It’s not that I’m not competent – I totally am.  I LOVE second shooting.  I love being support for my friends that are full-time wedding photographers.  Anyone that I’ve photographed with would (or should!) tell you that I’ve got a pretty good eye.

Behind the scenes with ISO:LUX Boudoir.

There has to be a way (and there is proving to be a way) that I can fuse photography into Misty Saves the Day.  Beyond just second shooting for weddings, taking the occasional family photo, or photographing events, I can get really awesome behind-the-scenes pics for my clients.  I can help develop content.  I’m certainly not a product photographer, and will happily refer that service out to some of my favorite people (and let my clients choose who they want to use!).

If you can’t tell, I’m apprehensive to take on the photographer title.  I don’t want it to be the primary source of what I do for clients.  Part of the beauty of owning your own business is being able to pick and choose what you want to do – and I want to be of support to people- to help brand them, to be support on a wedding day.  I may occasionally do a few things on my own as well (and have some things on the books that I’m working on that I’m super stoked about). The reality of the situation is that you’re likely to see me out and about photographing things.  That doesn’t change the fact that I LOVE doing social media, blogging, and submissions for my clients.  Social media management will always be the core of Misty Saves the Day.  When passion turns into business, that only makes it better, and that’s what photography is turning into for me.  It helps me continue to love my job.

Need a second shooter?  I’m here to help.  Check out my portfolio here! Want some behind-the-scenes content from your photo shoot?  I’m your girl.  While I may not be a photographer (or maybe I am), I’m finding that living behind a camera has made me very happy in the last two years, and I’m excited for what the future will bring.  Special thanks to Stellar Exposures and Elixir Media Co. for my first headshot WITH my camera, seen above!