If I Had to Do It Over Again as a Photographer

When I first started out, I thought I needed all the things. The fancy bags, the cute baby wraps, the prettiest gear—I invested in what I thought would make me look and feel like a real photographer.

But if I could go back and do it all over again?
I would invest less in the gear... and more in education and community.

Don’t get me wrong—those bags and wraps are useful. And yes, there’s absolutely a time to upgrade your gear. But no piece of equipment ever pushed my business forward the way a good conference, a mastermind group, or a mentor did.

The best money I’ve spent over the years hasn’t been on props—it’s been on learning.
On sitting in rooms with other creatives and hearing what actually works.
On having someone help me sort through my chaos and create a workflow that made sense for me.
On the support and encouragement I found in community spaces where I didn’t feel alone in the hustle.

That’s a big reason I now offer mentoring.
Because I remember what it felt like to try to piece everything together by myself.
And I know how powerful it is to have someone who’s been there help you fast-track your growth and avoid the rabbit holes that don’t actually move the needle.

If you’re just starting out—or even a few years in—my best advice is this:
Don’t go it alone.
Invest in the kind of education that builds your confidence and helps you move forward with clarity. It’ll pay off way more than that 3rd camera strap (ask me how I know).

Ready to get serious about growing as a photographer? Let’s chat.
My one-on-one mentoring is designed to meet you where you are and help you take your next step—with your camera, your editing, or your business.