Probably one of the MOST asked questions I get as a photographer is “how do I use my DSLR camera???”

Whether you are shooting photography professionally or just want to learn how to use your camera better, this post is for you!  I have had this typed out on a note in my iPhone for YEARS and just send it to people when they ask (which happens often!), so I thought it would be much more useful to share with you all on a blog post :)

How in the world am I supposed to balance my full-time job with my side hustle??? Everyone makes it look so easy.

If you are feeling this way at all, there is hope!  As some of you may know, this photography business is actually my SIDE HUSTLE.  I work full time as a technical lead (web developer) for a non-profit company. Because of this, I have dealt with the CRAZINESS of a completely full schedule and learned (very slowly) how to make the most of my time, for my work, business, and time to relax/refresh. 

So you are looking through different wedding photographers’ packages that you’ve contacted recently, and you are starting to notice a pattern… they all offer engagement sessions with their wedding packages.

Now, hear me out.  Even if you don’t really “need” engagement photos, or you’ve already done a session with another photographer or friend, you should DEFINITELY do a session with your wedding photographer.

I LOVE FALL WEDDINGS!!! After the month of August off, I got to jump right into the fall wedding season and start with this lovely couple - Anastasya and Blake! Although we had never met before starting the wedding process, these two were so thoughtful and generous to me throughout the entire experience, and I felt immediately comfortable with them :)

I still remember sitting across from my friend when she asked me to photograph her wedding.  Complete shock and excitement filled my gut. And a LOT of doubts.  

You see, I wasn’t a photography major in college or anything (I studied computer science, for goodness’ sake) - I had done a few family and senior sessions over the past year and built a mini portfolio for my brand new business.  And suddenly - BAM! I was faced with the decision - do I want to jump into wedding photography?? Can I even do it?

Good morning, afternoon, or evening to you guys!!! I’m back with another summer wedding in Illinois today! I met Abby through college and got to know the both of them throughout this wedding process - and they are such great, talented people.