Katelyn Owens Photography-Chico California Photographer: BLOGGERS BLOCK.

So...I have had writers block...or should I say bloggers block, lol. I have struggled for a week trying to figure out what the heck to write about. It's always great to post a blog of a photo session...you all can stay updated with my work and I can share with you a little more in detail about the wonderful clients. But this time I wanted to write about something different.

Since I started pursuing photography I have learned SOOOOO much. I learned all the basics and built a good foundation in college, as I pursued my photography degree. Then I learned a TON from hands on experience...going out and doing shoots and really developing my "style". Thirdly I have learned so very much from extremely talented photographers that were and still are kind enough to pour their knowledge on me and give me the best help and advice. I truly could not do this without my wonderful photographer friends and mentors...you know who you are!

With that, I come to what I am blogging about today. I know there are many people out there who love photography and desire to learn more about it. Even in my short time running my own business, I get emails from people asking for tips and help about photography and how to get started & have your own business in it. I have this theory... after you get bit by the photography bug and hit the ground running with your own business, this desire & passion to share your knowledge and skill with others wells up in you until you have to pour out that knowledge...or you will burst! So that is what I am doing here. So since I've already written so much, I'm going to (TRY) to keep the rest short...for now...maybe part two will come later for all you wanting to know more! Here are the tips/advice/knowledge/etc...that I have learned and want to share with you.

1, One. Follow your passion! I know that is so cliche' but it's so true. Follow what you love, whether photography or something else and go for it. You don't have to have all your ducks in a row first. In this case...I feel to have a photography business and succeed you must first be driven by your passion for it. Without this you will loose motivation and drive and eventually give up. Your passion for it keeps you going when you first get started and carries you through the up's and down's of running your own buiz.

Number 2. Be confident and take risks! I cannot tell you how nervous I was to do my first ever real shoot. It was an engagement shoot and I felt I had no idea what I was doing...but I went out on a limb and did it anyways. I mean how else are you suppose to get experience and grow your skills? And guess what!?...it worked out! The photos turned out pretty good and I started to build a solid portfolio.

#THREE. Book lots and lots of shoots to really build your portfolio. Whether they are paid or freebies, getting experience and building a solid portfolio is sooooo important. PLUS it spreads the good word about your business. People find out about you faster and your name gets out there!

Numero 4. Develop & cultivate your own "style". This is SO important. Your own style is what sets you apart from all the other million photographers out there. It makes YOU stand out and shows who you are. The more shoots you do, the more experience you get, the more your style comes out and you can really learn to perfect it. I feel after having my own photography business for a couple years now...I really know what MY style is. How I compose my photos, the angles I shoot them at, the moments I love to capture, the editing effects I use to enhance the feel of my photos.

NUMBER 4.5. Be consistent in your style! Carry it throughout your photos and all the different shoots you do. It doesn't mean you don't try new things or get new inspiration, it just means that your style flows through all of your work and people can recognize it. You eventually want to get to the point where someone can spot your work and know, "hey, that's katelyn owens photography!", just by seeing a photo.

And finally # FIVE. Love your clients!!! When having your own photography business you work in very personal, one on one environments...you want your clients to feel comfortable around you and ENJOY their time with you! Of course they want amazing photos...but they also must love you! If they don't connect with you and enjoy their shoot with you...then even with great photos...they probably won't hire you again or pass your name along:)

So there it is...just a few tips for all you photography lovers out there, who may want to pursue your own buiz. Those are just things I have learned along the way and hopefully it will make your journey a little smoother. Please feel free to contact me if you have ANY questions. I seriously would LOVE to answer any of them:) And thank you SO much for reading.

Below are a few unedited, random moments of me along my business journey...enjoy!