are you ready?
Soo, this is the long version, you're going to have to bear with me. Last year, when business got busier around here, I realized my five year plan was quickly becoming a 3 year plan and I needed to think ahead. I met my friend, Jennisa Novitski, while photographing her three month old baby. It was such a "God moment" for me when I left her home. My grandmother had just passed away and I had to reschedule her baby's session and I felt awful but because she's awesome, she was so okay working around my time table.
Shortly after meeting her and her husband, she shared her passion for photography with me. I was getting to know her family and falling in love with her daughter....and my heart just knew I couldn't deny what I was thinking. So, I took a giant leap of faith and I was so nervous to ask but I just had to.
I asked if she'd be interested in learning from me.....so that, when she was ready, she could be the J to my O and I could be the O to her J. She was surprised but didn't say no. I urged her to talk to her hubby, think it over, pray about it and let me know when she was ready....because she's awesome, she didn't take long to answer yes. I think we were both scared in the beginning...I was scared that I'd be giving out everything I knew and hoping she wouldn't A.) Leave me in the middle or B) run with the pieces of my heart. I knew B was a long shot...mostly because I could tell she was fiercely loyal and one of the most honest people I've ever met.
Slowly but surely and for the last year, I've been teaching her things about her camera, ways to edit, and a bajillion other things. I took her from her family, her life, and prayed she wouldn't run when she saw the sacrifices this business takes but what I didn't fully know is how strong she is....and instead of running, she invested which reminded me-again-that she is just what I've needed.
You see...for me...it's not something you put an ad out for. My heart chose her....that is something I've never experienced before. It's also trusting that someone else could love this business as much as you do and, even more, that someone could represent what you've built as if it were their own. It's a lot of pressure....but I know she's more than perfect for the job.
I hosted model calls a few weeks ago to expose her and get her working with kids and families....and she's joined me on quite a few shoots in the recent months. She has taken constructive criticism and has joined me whole heartedly on this journey.......and what's even better is that people love her. She's spunky, fun, sweet, and a whole lot of love. She sees with her heart and she is so unafraid....and, after a long year, she is ready.
So, as the weeks go on-she will be showcasing her work and taking appointments. My schedule is full for most of the summer so with both of us, we'll be able to accommodate everyone I hope. My clients will forever be stuck with me so, unless there is some giant problem with that, you're always going to be on my schedule and will book as usual.
This also means we'll be offering team wedding services. How awesome is that?!
Anyone interested can send an email to: jennisa@photosbyoh.com starting tomorrow. She will have an introductory rate that you won't want to miss and if you'd just like to welcome her to our little family, I'd love for you to that as well.
Finally...to my J,
It has been a true joy and honor to watch you grow.....you have become such an extension of my heart that, at times, it feels like we are the same person. I love how brave you are....and I love how you take charge and things done.
Our lives have had many parallels....we both have loved and lost by no fault of our own and have so many of the same feelings and thoughts about where our lives are headed. We see the world very similarly and our days are filled with conversation, laughter and joy.
This is what you need to know...some days this is going to be really stinkin hard but most of the time it's going to be more than your wildest dreams. You're going to laugh and cry with clients...they're going to become a part of you...and they will love you like no other. You will find that your evenings editing will become therapeutic and knowing someone will hang these precious moments on your wall forever will drive you to be the best photographer you can be. You're also going to be thrown under the bus sometimes but that means you're doing something right...and never forget--successful people never worry about what others are doing.
In the same breath, you're going to rock it out.....I know this because I've seen it.
And, even more than that, I believe with my entire being that you are right where you're supposed to be and that this journey was made for us.
I love you, partner.....I thank you for allowing me to stretch my limits in teaching you, for picking me up on my doubtful days and mostly for being my friend. Kelly Clarkson was right when she said, My life would suck without you.
So, here it is--no turning back--welcome to our family, J....I have a feeling you'll love it here.
Love,
Miss Oh!
