I’m going to get a little personal here – and I’m sure that a lot of my fellow photographers will agree with some of the things that I’m going to say.

Over the course of my career as a wedding photographer, I’ve come to realize how lonely it is being an entrepreneur. Add to the fact that I work in a creative field, it’s easy to see how isolating it can be. Not only is it pretty common to work hours upon hours with no human interaction, but oftentimes people just don’t get me or what I do.

Personally speaking, I’m a tad quirky and “different” – but this is honestly what makes me great at what I do. My mind thinks more abstractly than the average person, making composition, color, light, and posing easy to me.

Professionally speaking, my career is not the typical 9-5. It’s not uncommon for people to ask me what I do all day, since my daughter is in preschool and I am at home most of the time. (FYI, I’m probably either sending emails, drafting contracts/invoices, blogging, doing books, taxes, or…oh yes, EDITING.) It’s hard for many people to relate to this, so when I turn someone down for coffee during the day because I have three weddings and a bridal session to edit, it’s often somewhat confusing.

The problems and issues I face are also vastly different than the average individual, as are the victories and accomplishments. I can’t share them with most people and expect understanding; or if I do, I get a puzzled expression in return.

That’s why I need an outlet. That’s why anyone in any type of creative entrepreneurial field needs an outlet. And you know what? I’m so happy that I’ve found that in my friend Nicole Storey, owner of Izzabee’s Confectioneries. She is a baker/event planner, and is incredible at what she does.

Nicole and I moved to South Carolina around the same time and met on Facebook…funny, right? I was just venturing into portrait photography so I had a few Facebook ads out there, and as an entrepreneur herself, she was looking to connect with photographers in the area. We met for coffee and the rest is history! Since then, Nicole has been such a huge support to me in so many ways – she’s been there when I’ve needed a listening ear and acted as a sounding board personally and professionally. She also puts up with me sending screenshots of some of my favorite shoots and weddings (and responds with critique if needed)! And most importantly, she never judges me for being – well, me. That’s something! Since we both have families in addition to managing our businesses (she and her husband have three beautiful children!!), we don’t get to hang out as often as we’d like – but I’m never let down by the hang outs we do get to have.

Nicole and I recently got together at Wavering Place Plantation for some gorgeous family photos. Wavering Place is an event venue and B&B, but the lovely Shana allowed us to walk around the grounds. The lighting was incredible and we got to explore fields, gardens, and of course the historic home. I love how these came out and enjoyed getting to spend time with Nicole and her beautiful family!