If you’ve ever run a business, especially in a creative field like photography, you know it’s not for the faint of heart. People often see the pretty pictures, the flexible schedule, the smiling faces — but what they don’t always see are the long nights, the self-doubt, the trial-and-error, and the quiet moments of wondering, “Is this really working?”

There have been so many moments where I’ve asked myself that very question.

Not because of one big failure. Not because of some dramatic breakdown. But because sometimes… it just builds.

You do all the things. You serve your clients with heart, communicate clearly, deliver beautiful galleries, meet deadlines, and work hard to make each person feel seen. But then, out of nowhere, one negative comment or one tough experience can throw your whole mindset into a spiral. And if you’re not careful, it’s easy to let that spiral keep spinning.

It can make you question everything:

• Did I mess up?

• Am I even good at this?

• Is this worth it?

• Should I just give up?

I’ve had those moments. More than once.

But here’s what I’ve learned: in every one of those moments, I had two choices. I could let that one experience define me, or I could stop and reflect.

Sometimes I did make a mistake — and when that’s the case, I take ownership and learn from it. That’s how we grow. But other times? The truth is, I did everything right… and the issue had nothing to do with me. It was something going on in the other person’s life, something I couldn’t control, and something that wasn't mine to carry.

That perspective shift is everything.

Over the years, I’ve seen so many incredibly talented photographers walk away from this industry. Not because they weren’t good enough. Not because they didn’t love it. But because this work is hard. Running a business takes grit. It takes self-awareness. It takes the ability to problem-solve, bounce back, and keep going — even when it’s tough.

If I gave up every time I had a hard day or a moment of doubt, I would have quit 100 times already.

But I haven’t.

Because deep down, I know this is what I’m meant to do. And if one session, one misunderstanding, or one hard season could knock me out of the game completely, then maybe I wasn't building something strong enough to begin with.

I don't have one story titled “This was the time I almost gave up.” Instead, I have dozens of little moments — quiet ones, frustrating ones, even tearful ones — where I thought about giving up. But I didn’t. Because each one taught me something. Each one made me stronger. And each one reminded me that I get to choose what kind of business — and what kind of life — I want to build.

So if you’re in that moment right now, questioning it all, here’s what I’ll tell you:

Take a breath.
Look at the full picture.
Reflect, recalibrate, and remind yourself why you started.

Because yes, it’s hard.
But it’s also worth it.