At first glance, one may wonder how in the world this blog post relates to photography! Please hang in there with me as I transparently share the following story.
I was counting my blessings and keeping a running tab in my gratitude journal throughout the grueling four weeks my husband was hospitalized. Between the aforementioned habits, maintaining my spiritual disciplines, prayers, and my photography hobby — the ebb and flow within this trial felt navigable.
Fast forward many weeks, when the hospital bills started arriving, I continued to remain immensely grateful my husband was home and recovering well.
When Mike was going through test after test after test, and the accumulative hospitalization days felt like months (but weren’t!), the very human side of me pondered what the grand total cost would be. I guessed $100,000 — and I was very close (it was much more)!
We eventually learned what the max out-of-pocket payment would be for us, and I deeply reflected: “I am a well-bodied 60 year old woman. I can do something to help pay down this hospital debt." I decided to transform Selah Impressions Photography into an LLC. This would be my new business!
Prior to the business aspect, my photography sessions were a means to earn donations for our nonprofit, Refuge 91, Inc. — and it worked very well for nearly one year. Here is yet another blessing in which I have been immensely grateful! All of the photo sessions, throughout May — December 2022, allowed me to grow my photography portfolio. As well, my technical skills and confidence expanded.
In hindsight, I can see how all of this growth prepared me to begin the new business model and maneuver through the steps for Selah Impressions Photography to become an official small business.
In closing, if anyone who was thrilled to support Refuge 91, via photo sessions with me, has felt disappointed for the transformation to an official Maryland LLC, please know the following:
- you are supporting me as a nonprofit leader who is also a volunteer.
- anyone who regularly volunteers with Refuge 91 receives a 20% discount from my photography business rate.
If there is any way I can assist you with your photography needs — either via an outdoor session or at my home studio (for one or two people) — here is my official booking link https://unscriptedforphotographers.com/b/R6xRwmqczoP5qM