Welcome!

Albuquerque Wedding Photographer

I am so excited to be starting my photography business. I never thought that I would end up here. Owning a business is one of those things that a lot of people dream of when they’re young, but only a select few actually make it happen. I have to admit, I dreamed about owning my own business- for about half a second. I never thought that it was something that I’d actually want, or be able to do. But, here I am!

New Mexico Business Owner

Anyway, since I’m just starting out, there are about 1000 new things to learn. Like the fact that New Mexico doesn’t actually have a sales tax. We have gross receipts taxes- which is basically the same thing. It’s also surprisingly easy to get a sole proprietorship set up in New Mexico. All you need is a tax ID number from the state and a business license application for either your county or your municipality. 

That’s only the beginning. Anyway, I hope you’ll stick with me while I figure all this out. I promise I’ll try not to mess up too badly!

Update: 8/9/2023

Wow! I was a brand new photographer and a brand new business owner when I wrote the original post. Little did I know that there was actually about a million new things to learn! And to be honest, I’m still learning! Back then, I wanted to shoot EVERYTHING; weddings, portraits, landscapes, commercial, headshots, astrophotography- you name it, and I wanted to try it. And I did! And I learned that I’m not cut out to be an astrophotographer- I don’t have the patience for it. I learned that I don’t like shooting commercial properties (it’s hard to make a car wash look good!), and I learned that weddings, portraits, and landscapes are truly my passion when it comes to photography. I like being able to tell stories and to capture moments that take a person’s breath away. I love helping other people preserve their memories for generations to come. And, I love what I get to do everyday.

Becoming a great wedding photographer has absolutely been no joke. It’s been a hard road and a steep learning curve. And I’m still trying to pick my way through the pot holes while climbing the hill. I haven’t just had to learn how to operate a camera, or two- and trust me, once you click that fancy DSLR into manual mode, it's not easy! I’ve had to learn all sorts of other things like becoming a good boss (I’m still working on this one!) and how to balance the books. I’ve struggled with website maintenance, learning social media management and content creation, and how to open up so y’all can know me better.

Additionally, Albuquerque- well, New Mexico in general- has an abundance of incredible wedding and portrait photographers. While there are PLENTY of clients to support us all, it’s not hard to jump on the struggle bus while comparing myself to others. I know I shouldn’t do that, but man! they’re awesome! It’s hard not to compare myself and my work to them.

Looking back over this post, as I update it almost ten years later, I remember the excitement I felt and the passion I had. I remember the fears, the worries, and the dreams. And, truth be told? I’m still excited, I’m still passionate, I still have dreams, and goals to achieve, and I’m still fearful, worried, and even anxious. But, this journey has 100% been worth it. And I hope you’ll continue along with me!