I've recently had the pleasure of photographing several different families. I'd like to think they allowed me to do their photos because of my awesome talent, experience and dazzling smile, but in all seriousness, I know it's because I don't charge. That's right; nada, zilch, nunca. My self-confidence, or lack thereof, has prevented me from even considering it.

I've spent the past year working hard on my photography and learning the basics by reading books and taking a photography class. I've networked with some really good photographers and I've discovered what I'm good at and not so good at. I really want to be a strong photographer not just a MWAC (Mom With A Camera), which is a term coined by professionals for people like me :-).

After much discussion and the purchase of a new editing program and new lens, I've decided that 2009 will be bringing about some changes. I'm gonna, *gulp*, start charging. No, it won't be much and I'm still taking it in the end as far as the time I'll spend shooting, editing and doing final preparations, but at least it will slowly help to pay for the initial investment I've made.

I have to remember that this is my hobby and will never be my business. I like the steady paycheck, health bennies, and retirement that a normal job provides and I know that I'll never make enough on photography to pay for my mortgage or clean diapers. As long as I can support my habit, I'll be happy.

Anyhoo, not really sure what the point of this posting is other than to solidify to myself that I'm going to do this and that I can do this *insert the Little Engine That Could* and that I need to stop being a chicken schat when it comes to constructive criticism and confidence levels. I feel so much better now - maybe that's the Immodium talking.

Here are some shots from some recent photo shoots I did...

A handsome little Christmas miracle:

A beautiful little princess to make your ovaries ache:

A fun couple and a secret Superman:

Thanks for looking!