Despite the summer solstice being September 21st, the end of summer days is the last day of August for me. It would mark the day when my Dad would go back to the classroom and a trip to Staples both for me and him. August is full of long lazy summer days, catching the last bit of warm sunshine at the beach or drinking those fruity drinks like sangria or mojitos. Before the leaves start to turn, sundresses are covered and the fruity drinks turn into baked goods or apple cider. Funny enough instead of a sunny day on August 31st we’re having a downpour of rain, it seems like Mother Nature is giving us an early gift.
I love fall – not because of my birthday, but because of the warm fuzzy feeling I get in the pit of my stomach when I put on that cozy sweater for the first time to drink a chai latte at Starbucks while eating a delicious pumpkin scone with frosting.
During spring I can’t wait for summer; I Imagine going to family BBQ’s, hiking with K, and beach parties with friends. But none of that happens – it probably doesn’t help that I have a sincere lack of friends in real life and K and I’s fitness level. But most important of all that it gets too darn hot to do anything. This summer was worst of all, half an hour out in the sun and I’m a goner.
As much as I yearned for this summer and how excited I was to start my own business – it didn’t go as planned. From mid July through to mid August I was plain miserable. I will spare you the long talk, but suffice to say at some parts I felt like I had a personal rain cloud. I may have thought I was prepared for the photography world of clients and competitors, but my prospective clients weren’t and I wasn’t ready for the amount of competitors.
As I come out of this year’s summer business time I need to rethink, reorganize, and reenergize what I want to do. I placed an ad on Craigslist for a second shooter and received forty inquiries; all wanting to get into the business. How am I to compete in a market where the clients focus on price over quality, years in business over total experience? I’m an artist – not just a ‘photographer,’ not just a ‘web designer.’
But for now on the last day of a lazy summer day, I’m going to be relaxing, enjoying Mother Nature’s gift. Tomorrow? Well you can see me with a chai latte in hand welcoming September and a new perspective with open arms.
No related posts.
