{Be Loved} Because Everyone Starts Somewhere

by: McKenna Pendergrass

To say that I started my business from nothing would be an understatement. I was one of those “fauxtographers” that so many of the pros whine about. I had no photography education, no editing software, just a Canon Rebel and the kit lens it came with, but I would shoot anyone that would let me near them. Obviously I knew that this sort of behavior wouldn’t get me very far, so I started doing everything I could to better myself and my business… investing in (lots of!) books (I found Brian Peterson’s books to be really helpful!), new lenses, editing software, watching YouTube videos, talking to established photogs about how to establish my business, and (once I was confident in myself) charging for my services.
Feeling a little bit nostalgic, I decided to look through some of my old photos… and I have to say that I was kinda embarrassed! I mean, there were some bad photos! How bad you ask? REALLY BAD! So of course now I have to show you some of the better ones from my first ever session. You’ll just have to take my word on the really bad ones.

Like I said… they’re not great. There is bad framing, the color temperature is off (not to mention really cool, which is so not my style now!), everything is a little under exposed… and these are the good ones! Lol. Though I do have to say, since I’m already being brutally honest, the one of her looking at the train is still one of my favorite shots. I’m not sure why, but I like it.
So you may be wondering why I’m showing you this…
I want all of you to know that you have to start somewhere. Everyone is bad at something before they can be good at it. I want to encourage you all to have heart and pursue what you love, because even if you’re not good at it now, you can be. All it takes is a little bit of luck, some patience, and a whole lot of hard work. But it’s so worth it in the end!