A little less than a year ago, I had the idea to start a photography business. I jumped into things enthusiastically, set up a website, contacted prospective clients, and even did a few photo shoots. However, I’ve found that over the past year, I simply haven’t had the time or the energy to build up the business. I have a full time job that requires a lot of energy and creativity, and leaves me feeling mentally exhausted every day when I get home. I have two kids who I spend a lot of time with. I have a wife to love and support. I have work to do around the house and other personal and family matters to tend to. There simply isn’t enough of me left over to engage in a business venture.
It’s unfortunate that it’s taken me this long to figure that out, because I’ve spent too much time worrying about how I could get some more clients, how I was going to have enough time to do marketing, advertising, and planning, and when I was going to fit these photo sessions in, should they come along. So, as of right now, I’ve decided to shut down Peter R. Wood Photography as a business. When I made the decision earlier today, I felt a great sense of relief and freedom, knowing that I could devote more of my thoughts and emotions to the more important things in life.
I am also excited because I now feel free to go back to enjoying photography. I’d love to revive http://prwphoto.net/ as a personal photography site. A place where I can talk about photographic technique and camera gear, show off photos I’ve taken, and share my love for the art. But I’m not going to worry too much about when or how I’ll get that online. You’ll still see my newest photos here on the blog, or on SmugMug, Flickr, or linked on Twitter or Facebook.
And I’ll still be more than happy to take photos for you, but I’m not going to spend any time or money marketing it, and I’m not going to charge anything for it. I’ll do it because you’re my friends or family, or a really cool or interesting person, and because I love taking photos. If you want me to take photos for you, just let me know!
I think sometimes making something we love as a hobby into a business when we have too many other things going on, I think that makes it not-so-fun anymore. Makes it stressful. I think mostly what makes it stressful is the time factor… we have to do it, or think we have to. Hope taking photography back as a hobby brings real joy for you Peter! 🙂
Peter, Glad to hear that you’re not giving up photography, just the business side. You have given the family and so many friends wonderful memories of important events in their lives–and that gift will never go away.
Peter, that makes total sense. I’m glad for you and your family that you have struck a balance that works for all of you!
Thanks, all. I really do feel better about things. The keys for me are:
Rebecca, I appreciate you and your family for being one of my clients. Thanks for giving me a chance to try it out. I consider you a friend, and am more than happy to shoot photos for you when my schedule permits!