A true inspiration

I was reading through Jasmine Star’s old blog last night and I felt a peace come over me. For those of us just starting up our businesses, it can feel overwhelming. Months of reading, planning, praying (even before we launch!) and then being able to watch your business ripen into something real. When I first started, I didn’t have the support I thought I would. My poor boyfriend just kept telling me to take that leap. But in an economic crisis, do you honestly just get up and walk away from a stable job? After my supposedly “safe” airfield got attacked by locals, I knew it was time for me to part ways with Active Duty. I think, finally, a year later people are starting to take me seriously. As I read through pages upon pages of watching J* struggle through the beginnings of her Photoshop journey and having the same confidence issues to photograph strangers, I could finally relax a little. I loved her honesty. One of my favorite things about Jasmine is her writing. I love to write, and I miss giving back like that. I miss writing and photographing for ME.

A funny thing happened today that made my heart fill up. A coworker came up to me and asked,
“Hey Nat, you take pictures right?”
This question always makes me giggle a little. These guys all know I LIVE, BREATHE and EAT photography, so the opener is just funny. “Yep, I sure do!”
“Sweet, I know someone who wants some family photos done, I’m gonna send em your way.”

Now, this may not be ground breaking. They may never call, or even click on my website. But I’m getting to do what I love, and a co worker was thoughtful enough to recommend me. Like, ME, not someone else, ME. It’s the absolute biggest compliment and a huge thrill to know my name is circulating past my immediate friends. Now to just work on pushing past my comfort zone.

Last year in San Francisco with Christina. See Jasmine, I talk with my hands too!

I treasure this photo. It was the first time I really believed I could do everything she said and more. Thanks Jasmine.