Photog Friends!

I can't lie.  As much as I adore being home with my kids, the transition into stay at home mom these past two years has been a lonely one.  In taking a leave of absence from my teaching job, I essentially left my old life and friends behind.  I have friends who have moved from here and I have friends whom I have moved from, but up until recently, I have had very few friends right around me- where I live.  

About a year ago, I was invited to join a group of women photographers who are spread all over Lake, McHenry and Cook counties (with now even a few out-of-staters!). The anxiety I felt in joining the group was through the roof, but with a little coaxing from my husband, and my friend Jess with Jessica Weinstock Photography, I took the plunge and agreed to meet up for an evening of treats and "talking shop".  I remember making the drive to the first meet-up and considering turning around half a dozen times.  I remember feeling like I was throwing myself to the wolves when I knocked on my now photog friend, Jenni's front door (Jenni owns J.C. Photography and the Grayslake Studio Share).  And in typical Steph fashion, I remember talking and talking and talking and hardly coming up for air, because this is the way I deal with my social anxiety.  And before long, I realized, these women, who were so intimidating just by the mere fact that they were local photographers, were not going to eat me alive.  Instead, these very women who terrified me were going to support me and help me and guide me and teach me and INSPIRE me to be the best possible photographer and business woman I can be.  Little did I know at the time, these women would so quickly fill the void which I had been feeling-- these people who I thought would judge me and compete against me do exactly the opposite and I feel so blessed to have met such an incredible group of crazy-talented individuals who I now call FRIENDS.

So, occasionally, we meet up to talk shop-- share ideas and SUPPORT one another.  Our evenings together usually start once all of our kids have been put to bed (as many of us are moms) and we talk and eat and share yummy locations and feedback on the various aspects of owning a photography business until very, very late in the evening. The time goes by so quickly and we end up calling it a night, because we all have to be up early the next morning, but every time I get together with these women, I leave feeling energized-refreshed-SUPPORTED and INSPIRED. I get home from our get-togethers and can't sleep because of all that was discussed and all of the ideas racing through my head.  

Here is a link to an article my friend Tracy Joy, from Prop Insanity and Tracy Joy Photography, wrote about our very group.