Julie Paisley Photography

This journey that I have been on for the past 3 1/2 years has been amazing.  It has NOT always been easy.  It.has.been.hard.  I have cried.ALOT.  I have had my heart pulled from my chest and smashed on the ground.

BUT…

I have traveled the world.  I have met some of the most amazing people on this planet.  I have grown closer to God, and learned to depend more on HIM to supply my needs.  I have fallen deeper in love with my husband and my kids.  I have made lifelong friends and realized who my true friends are.  I have experienced some of life’s most precious moments.  I have watched baby’s first breath and cried along with mom and dad as they snuggle their little one.  I have clicked my camera as over 100 couples have kissed for the first time as man and wife.  And along with all the happy times, I have also documented times when loved ones have said their last goodbye and while it tore my heart to pieces, I know that I gave them the most special memories.

My camera has taken me places that I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be able to experience.  Photography has been therapy for me.  A piece of me is given in each picture I take.  I am consumed with it.  It is my 3rd child.  This is not just a business, it is a part of me.  Heart and soul, 100% of Julie Paisley is Julie Paisley Photography.  It’s not perfect, mistakes are made, but when I lay my head on my pillow at night, I have no regrets. I know I’ve tried my best and I’ve made a difference, yes, I have made a difference.  And I smile.

As I approach my 42nd birthday, I can truly say that my life is full.  I am blessed.  I am thankful.  Thankful for those clients who have been with me from Day 1.  Who still have those pictures (that make me cringe now) from when I first started hanging on their walls.  I am thankful for those first few weddings who had faith in me although I really did not know what I was doing!  I am thankful for those first few girls who trusted me and paid me money to teach them what I had learned and as a result have allowed me to teach workshops on the scale that I do now.  I am thankful for fellow photographers who have encouraged me, prayed for me, supported me and have become my best friends.

However, being recognized, published, complimented on, is not what makes me the happiest.  What gives me the most joy is knowing that I’ve made a difference.  I have 289 girls that have attended my workshops.  I have seen them grow. I have seen friendships formed.  I have seen them pull together when someone is struggling.  I have seen them encourage, help, give virtual hugs, pray for each other and help each other grow without asking for anything in return.  Whenever I’m feeling low, I go into the private group of my workshop girls and I read posts, look at their pictures, rejoice in their success and that makes me happy, truly happy and to know that I had a small part in this, wow, I have no words.

This post is not to toot my own horn, nope, not at all.  It’s to let you know that if you are just taking pretty pictures, you are missing out.  By not being helpful and sharing with others, you are missing out on the greatest joy that you can get from this business.  Helping others is the greatest joy you can experience in life.  Let’s be nice.  Let’s pull together and change the bad reputation that photographers have in the industry.  There are no “secrets”, that’s just silly.  There is room for us all, try reaching out to someone else today, you just never know what might happen.  Here’s the latest blog post from one of my workshop girls and it made me cry.  To me, this is better than being published in a magazine or a billboard in Times Square.  This is what it’s all about.

Until next time,

xoxo,

Julie

I was going through some pictures today on my computer and I came across this one.  I had to stop for a minute and reflect and cry, yes, I cried, like a baby.

This picture was taken over 11 years ago.  Mari-Kate was 3 and Noah was around 8 months.  Of course I was not a photographer at this time, in fact, I think this picture was taken from a still off our video camera!  But it’s precious to me and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

You see, there was a time when I hated Mother’s day.  I remember many years sitting in church and crying when they honored Mothers on this special day.  I would sit and cry and beg God to make me a mother.  That’s all I ever wanted, to be a mom but for many years, God did not answer my prayer.

I’m sure there are some of you out there feeling the same way.  Dreading the thought of Mother’s day because once again, you have no one to call you mom.  I was there, I feel your pain, I share in your tears, I truly understand.  But, I want to encourage you.  If it’s your prayer to be a mom, it will happen.  Ours happened by adoption first and then 2 years later, God blessed us with Noah.

So happy Mother’s Day to all you out there who are moms and those of you who will one day be moms.  God is faithful, he will give you the desires of your heart.  Be strong and believe and I’m here if you need me.  I always felt that God put me through this trial to be a help to others, so if you need to talk to someone, please email me, I truly understand.

I’m going to take the day off to enjoy being a Mother.  It’s my greatest accomplishment.ever.

Until next time,

xoxo,

Julie