How do I use photography to “live a life of significance”? How can I make a difference?

All I have is a camera body and some glass.

These are questions I’ve been asking myself for a while now.  I’m not a doctor. I’m not famous. I am simply a woman with a passion to help others see the beauty within themselves.

When we’re starting a new journey, whether it be a new job or business venture, it’s so easy to get wrapped up in the superficiality of being seen and forget why God has placed certain gifts inside of us in the first place. Which is why I decided to start with why.

Why am I SO love with photography? Why am I so passionate about my clients? Why do I never want to stop learning? Why do I feel so free behind a lens?

One of the verses I’ve really been meditating on and keeping at the forefront of my mind since the beginning of this year is Habakkuk 2:2-3: 

“And The Lord answered me: write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits it’s appointed time; it hastens to the end – it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” 

As a woman first and a businesswoman second, I am realizing the importance of having a clear vision more and more. Which is why last weekend, I decided that I was going to write a vision statement. Not just for my business, but for my life. After all, how can I clearly know where I want to take this business if I don’t clearly know where I want my life to go? I won’t have all the answers, but I do need a clear starting point.

• What is my goal with this business?
• What do I want to give to others?
• What do I believe is my purpose and how do I use this passion to achieve it?

Trust me, it’s a lot easier said than done, but I’ve been writing like crazy and with each day I feel like God is making it more plain. I’m beginning to see myself more and  more clearly and am understanding exactly what kind of business I want to run.

Whether it’s for a personal business, pursuing a passion or simply bettering your lifestyle, you must have a vision.  Not just a vision you come up with on a whim that sounds overly complicated and full of fluff words. I mean a real vision. It doesn’t have to be overly processed…as a matter of fact, God Himself says make it plain!! But in order for you to live a life of significance, you must live a life of clarity. You must live a life of direction. You must know EXACTLY where you’re trying to go, WHY you want you get there and what you are doing to get there. Without it….you’ll be wandering in the wilderness and 20 years later still trying to find yourself. 

As a 26 year-old just starting out, I see so many photographers around me that I admire, but I have to remind myself of one thing: their story isn’t my story. The vision I have for myself and my business isn’t the same as theirs. It is unique to me and it is the same with you. Your path isn’t anyone else’s. What God has placed inside of you is so unique that you can’t compare yourself to anyone else. The vision inside of you is unparalleled and in order for you to live your life of significance, in order to accomplish what you were created to do…in order for you to change the world, you must write your vision and make it plain. And though the process of “making it plain” is just that…a process, within this process, I’m seeing growth in myself. And that…well that makes it totally worth it. 🙂

Tune out the noise and the negativity. Release your fear and embrace the vision inside of you.

Even if it seems really slow…it will surely come. 

Another photo from my amazing time with Amanda of Amanda Hedgepeth Photography 🙂

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo,