Work, work work...That's a good thing, right?

As this year goes by I continue on my journey to get this business to be self sustaining.  I currently work full time in an office.  I fully understand why companies utilize automated systems (as much as I hate them) it is because people are awful.  I do not necessarily "like" my 40 hour a week job, but I do try hard.  I try, I try hard because I do want to do a good job.  Yet, I deal with people who are heartless, rude and complete and total assholes.  Doctors who think they are better than all of us, over worked nurses, and receptionists who have no idea what the hell they are doing.  Scared?  Should be.
I also work as a photographer and marketing person for a violin shop.  Something I never imagined myself doing as a photographer.  For the longest time I focuses on nature and landscape, you didn't have to interact, ask for permission to take its picture, or ask for a model release.  As I continue through the years of photography, I have discovered, I really love taking pictures of people.  Especially Boudoir, Pin Up, Pets and H.S. Seniors.  Three area's that do not intertwine at all - yep - that is me....not making any sense.  I was a Theatre Major with an Equine Science and Dance minor.  My advisor at my four year college called me a strange duck when he met me.  I love the confidence women get when you show them how beautiful they are in their most intimate setting.  I love the classic style of pin up, it is so glamorous.  I also have a passion for pets, dogs, horses (penguins - it's possible, I heard Wayne Newton has penguins on his ranch).
So, as you can imagine as I am going through the paces of developing my skill and business, Violins were never on the list.  Yet, here I am working at Nashville Violins an amazing little shop on the West side of Nashville.  You can find me there most Saturday's when I don't have another photo shoot scheduled.
It is interesting as taking pictures of Violins is actually interesting, sometimes scary, (I handle some of his Fine Instruments which can range upward to $8,000.00), challenging and I love it.  It has given me an opportunity to learn as I work. It has opened the door to working with a local jewelry designer.  It has also allowed me to take on a whole new aspect of photography in a wonderful and fun environment.

That is a very small sample of what I do at Nashville Violins.  It is definitely challenging taking pictures of shiny instruments.  It is fun to see the students come and go excited about their teacher, excited about playing their instrument.  One young boy in particular carries in his Bass which is absolutely huge compared to him.  Yet, he straps that thing onto his back and away he goes.

At least I know when I wake up on a Saturday, I have a pleasant place to go.  I am allowed to wear jeans, I don't have to worry about make-up.  No one freaks out if I'm three minutes late (heaven forbid you are ten seconds late at my day job).  Its a place where you want to be, a place where people come into the door with a smile, or a little nervous...because their instrument is making a noise, or no noise at all and they are hoping these people can help them.  It is amazing to see what the staff can repair and how quickly they can do complicated tasks.  The front desk gal always has a smile on her face and brightens up the room with her laughter.  

Not too shabby.

It helps me remain inspired for the day when I have my own business.  When I have a list of clients two miles long and I am running around from photo shoot to photo shoot, and meeting with clients.

Another aspect of inspiration was actually encouraged by the shop owner, and that is: I am returning to school.  I will be starting in the Spring at a local college.  I have been anxious to get back into the classroom.  I have a deep interest in education and I am very excited to be going back.  Hopefully the course will give me skills that will enhance my confidence and ability.

It is getting later in the evening, I still need to have some supper, go over some images from a photo shoot I did for Rebecca Noel Designs.  I have happy news about that...but that will have to wait for next time.