“Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24
She doesn’t know it, but the mom in this picture is basically responsible for my entire photography business. Not because she gave me a camera or hired me or built my website… but because of a gentle word that brought huge truth into light.
Five years ago this Christmas I received my first “real” camera with the singular goal of taking a picture of my infant with blurred Christmas lights in the background (the word for that, I’ve since learned, is Bokeh). My brother made an off-hand comment that he could see me being a photographer one day and I laughed because I learned very quickly that taking good pictures does not “just happen”. But slowly and organically I had friends and family ask occasionally for family portraits.
So just over a year ago Ashley and I were walking with 4 of our kids to pick up the 5th and talking about life. And she asked me, “Why don’t you do photography as your job? Just put a page on Facebook”. Immediately the myriad of reasons this was a terrible idea tumbled out of my mouth.
But Kate, she said- What would you actually lose if you tried?
“I don’t think anyone would take me seriously. I really just don’t want to be ANOTHER person that gets a nice camera and sticks ‘photographer’ beside their name.”
Got it, she said- so it’s just a fear of failure. And pride.
Crickets (literally, crickets. We were out for a walk, afterall.)
Her words weren’t harsh. They weren’t judgmental. They were simply true. The only thing holding me back from pursuing a hobby I loved and turning it into a career was me.
Obviously I didn’t run right out and open a Facebook page and print business cards. No- those things took a full year of praying and wrestling and pushing down all the pride and fear. To be frank, it’s a work in progress. But this year I built a website, stuck a photography page on Facebook, and sent an e-mail to friends announcing that I would be happy to take their Christmas card portraits because I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER.
And you know what? Ashley was the first person to respond.
So thank you, Ash! For supporting and believing in me- and letting me capture your BEAUTIFUL family this year. I may just use these for MY Christmas cards!
Words matter, friends. The simplest, casual conversation on a sunny Thursday morning may be the tiny nudge someone’s heart needs to be brave and daring and strong.
PS- If you read this, Ash- I really miss our Thursday playdates! Who needs work?!
And check your e-mail for the gallery link!
These are so great! And Ashley Holloway is seriously the best person in the world. ❤️
Well you’re a pretty big encourager, too! I could write a similar blog post about you, friend! Love you!
Ashley is a an awesome encourager and I am of course biased just a little, but her words stick and ring true, and you know it comes from her heart! Now you my friend are a great encourager as well! I remember many talks at PES with you. You have a heart of gold and talent to match – don’t forget that! Thanks for these beautiful pictures of my grand babies! I foresee family portraits in the near future with all my family 😜. Love you! Lynn
Love you, friend! I also distinctly remember you telling me I should meet your daughter-in-law because we would make great friends. How right you were! Who knew she would become one of my dearest friends soon after. Your family is so very special to the Walton5.