A Heart 2 Heart ~ Destination Wedding and Newborn Photographer

Posted on January 5, 2010

So, I have decided that I would start blogging about personal thoughts, situations or just my life! lol. I will call these blog posts – Heart 2 Heart. Think of it as a one on one.  As if it were just you and me in a coffee shop or sitting at the kitchen table or even over lunch talking. I want you to read and feel that you can laugh with me or at me (whichever makes it fun for you) lol or feel that even though you might have never met me – that we are friends. It’s my way of sharing my personality, thoughts/ideas and experiences with you. Hopefully, if you don’t know me; you will after reading some of my heart to heart posts.

Today’s Topic – The BIG cross-country MOVE to San Diego, CA.

So, I find myself thinking – I am really going to miss Pensacola! There are a few reasons why.

1. I have met some really cool people (Yep – this includes fellow military spouses, my clients, fellow photographers and neighbors)

2. The beaches are incredibly beautiful (yes…I know, San Diego has those too! haha)

3. My business has begun to really take off!!!!

I have received loads of inquiries for the 2010 wedding season, but atlas, I cannot book them. So SAD, I know. So you’re thinking – why don’t you just fly back? Well, I would LOVE to do that, but it’s the travel fees that don’t fit into the B&G’s budget. Total bummer, I know!!

I am totally THRILLED to get to San Diego and to meet new people and all the new places to photograph. It’s exciting to think about it! Only one thing I sit and ponder everyday; how am I going to hit the ground running in a new place? What do I need to do to market myself there?

I do believe that God helps those; that help themselves. I truly don’t expect to get there and there be a line out my door and the phone ringing off the hook to have me as their photographer (although that would REALLY rock *wink wink @ God) lol. I do believe it will take some time, energy, a lot of hard work and networking. My goal is to have some weddings booked for Fall 2010 – wish me luck!!

So let me tell you that I have emailed/contacted some of the San Diego area Wedding Consultants and it’s both exciting and awkward! hahahaha… just imagine – me sitting at the computer, starting to write an email to someone who doesn’t know me from Adam. It’s hysterical. I really wish you could be in my mind or in the room; as I laugh at myself for sounding corny in the email. It’s like I’m saying, “Hi, I’m Shannon of SW Photography. I’ll be moving to San Diego and would love to meet you for lunch or a cup of coffee sometime. Oh and would you like to be my friend and maybe network with me?”

Okay, No that’s not how the email really goes, but in my head – I feel like that’s what I am saying! Bwahahahaa… I’m very confident and know that I can make it out in Cali, but it’s always that first plunge into the dark before your eyes adjust; that you are scared, unsure and can feel the rush of adrenaline aka excitement of the unknown.

Hopefully with God’s good graces and lots of prayers – I will find favor among the people in San Diego and everywhere I should go to do what I love!

XOXXO

Shannon