Lightwriters - Another Photography Class

Last week I had the pleasure of squeezing in another photography class.  This class was given by a Houston area photographer that was recently voted one of the top five photographers in Houston.  Allison Carlino did our family photos right after we moved to Houston and she's scheduled to update those for us again in October.  She's a fantastic photographer and I love to follow her work.  She offered a 3-day course that she calls Lightwriters where she covers all the basics, does photo critiques, and even brings in a model for shooting practice (with a camera, I mean).  I really enjoyed the class, got some great ideas, and learned some new techniques.  She was very complimentary of my photos and encouraged me to take the next class, which is sorta like a preparatory course for those going pro where she covers more advanced techniques and the in-and-outs of running a professional photography business.

I told Allison that I couldn't devote the time to another (and much longer) photography class right now, but that I wonder consider joining next summer when she taught it again.  She invited me to join her as an assistant photographer for a wedding shoot in the coming weeks.  WOW!  I would love that!  But, that prompted a conversation about getting into the photography business.  I must confess that the thought has crossed my mind on more than one occasion that this could be a possible opportunity for me when Brenna starts school (elementary, that is).  I'm constantly improving and I figured with continued education and practice by then I would be able to produce a product worthy of a price tag.

However, talking with Allison was very enlightening.  We discussed the initial investments required to kick-off a photography business, the financial payback, the time commitment involved, and the always important work/life balance thats required.  I won't go into all the details, and she was very encouraging about taking the plunge.  But, I just don't think the business end of things will fit into our family right now.  For now this will just be a hobby that's limited by how much my husband is willing to fund it each year.  I guess I'll just have to be satisfied with taking pictures of friends and family.  But that's ok, it just so happens that they're my favorite people!

Oh!  And here's some of my model shots.