My childhood dreams did not revolve around photography. In fact - I wanted to be a veterinarian - until I watched a show on TV and saw the job involved performing surgeries - not just loving on them.
I self-taught myself after some well-known Turkish photographer told me, "You don't have a single bone in your body to become a photographer." You don't tell me what I can and can't be - so I told him, "Hold my wine!" and here we are, 16 (yes, SIXTEEN, I feel old saying that!) years later.
I didn't start as a wedding photographer either. I was fascinated by horror and macabre art, and when one of my friends asked if I would photograph her brother's wedding, I wasn't sure if she was serious. She was, and for some reason, I STILL don't see why the couple loved their photos (no, you can't see them; I don't even know where that external drive is - that's how much I'm hiding those photos, LOL!) but the inquiries just kept coming.
Now - I won't sit here and tell you, "Oh em gee! I love weddings! I live for weddings! I always dream about my wedding!" Sure, some people are genuine with that kind of statement - but I never dreamed of a wedding gown. Maybe someday I will get married... Maybe not?
In theory, I got married more than 500 times by now, and everything started to feel the same in terms of "decoration," "cake," "reception flow," and "and all other things that happen on a wedding day." It doesn't matter if you're tying the knot at a barn, warehouse, brewery, or garden...
It all boils down to one thing - do you like my personality? Can you see me being a friend to you if we had met in another way that doesn't involve a "wedding photographer" Google search?
What matters most is how we can bond over and grow a connection. Can you see yourself visiting me at the studio after work for some drinks on my rooftop? Maybe we can hang out at Freeplay and spend some time together. Or perhaps you can become a part of our game night crew? I'm not saying, "We have to be besties" - but... what if? :)
Do you like what you have read so far? Great! There's more where this came from.