When I was first starting photography in 2011, I had another photographer tell someone close to me that I had lighting issues…and I was really really bad. I didn’t even know it.
I felt so defeated because I was just trying my best. I felt sick that someone was talking bad about my skills when I was barely learning. I loved photography so much…but all the doubts flooded my mind. “Is my family just being nice to me because they pity me? Does everyone think I suck? I must be really bad if strangers feel the need to share where my skills are lacking.”
My skin has thickened a bit over the years but when I was 18 years old, I was highly sensitive. I wanted to quit. Instead I messaged the photographer that took my senior pictures, and I pushed myself to be better. I just found the message. Its so simple, but it makes me so proud of my 18-year-old self that didn’t give up: “I’m having lighting issues. How do I fix my lighting issues?”
He mentored me through it. I read every blog on the Internet about lighting. Practiced every day. And the next year I booked 3x the weddings as the person that trash talked. What’s up, haters.
If you’re starting a business and you’re feeling the doubt, don’t quit!
1. Block out the haters, and the doubters, and the naysayers.
2. Surround yourself with people that believe in you. Listen to books, podcasts and mentors that teach you to believe in yourself.
3. Practice. Learn. Get better. Every day.
When You Want to Quit | Throwback to My Lighting Issues
Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of.
February 19, 2019
Kylee Maughan
