Chasing Light: A Year of Growth, Grit, and Gratitude

Insights

Jan 8

Written By Manny

Another January rolls in, and here I am, back here again reflecting on the whirlwind that was my first year in business. It's been a doozy, folks; a rollercoaster of self-doubt, small victories, and the kind of moments that make you pause, take a deep breath, and mutter, "What the heck am I even doing?"

But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, a disclaimer: If raw honesty and a sprinkle of self-loathing scare you off, this might not be your vibe. I’m not here to spin a fairy tale of instant success. Nope, this is a story of a guy navigating imposter syndrome, learning from stumbles, and chasing a dream with more determination than finesse. If that sounds like your kind of ride, buckle up.

Imposter Syndrome: The Frenemy That Won’t Quit

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: imposter syndrome. Yep, it’s real, and it’s been my shadow companion this past year. Twenty years of snapping photos for fun didn’t prepare me for the mental gymnastics of turning passion into profession. My wife always trusted me to capture the family moments, but suddenly charging people to do it?

Every photoshoot became a balancing act between confidence and critique. Could I do better? Should I have used that other lens? Is this lighting flattering, or does it make Aunt Vivian look like a ghost? The good news: I learned a lot. The bad news: that tiny voice in my head still asks, "What if this is all just luck?" Spoiler alert: I don’t have an answer, but I’ve decided to keep going anyway. Because even when self-doubt creeps in, the joy of creating something meaningful keeps me grounded.

The **Path** That Lit the Way

The year began with a spark, albeit not the kind you get from a New Year’s firework, but the kind that smolders quietly until it ignites into something unstoppable. I started small. A new camera. A free photoshoot. Then another. And another. By spring, I’d booked a couple of photoshoots, and before I could overthink it, I took the leap: I quit my job. I had more time for my boys and to work on making this real.
It felt like freedom and terror rolled into one. Suddenly, I was juggling fatherhood, family life, and a new business with the grace of a man who just remembered he left the stove on. And while the summer brought a lull that had me second-guessing everything, the fall delivered a streak of wins. Clients rolled in, and with them, a renewed sense of purpose. Marketing efforts started paying off, and I realized that the ebb and flow of business is just part of the ride.

Where I’m Headed

Now, as I step into year two, I’m humbled and hungry. So far, I’ve booked nearly ten weddings for the year. Is it enough? Not yet, but it’s a start. My goal is to hit at least 25 weddings, with dreams of someday hitting that 40-50 range like the pros I look up to. I’ve still got room on the calendar (hint, hint), but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.

The Manny from last April, quitting his job with a hopeful heart and a terrified smile, would be amazed at how far I’ve come. And while this journey is still a work in progress, I’m learning to celebrate the wins, big and small, while keeping my eyes on what’s ahead.

Why Weddings? A Brother’s Influence

For those wondering why I chose wedding photography, it all comes back to my brother, Miguel. He was my anchor, my sounding board, and my biggest supporter. When I told him I’d never marry or have kids, he’d laugh and call me out. And when the day came that I’d eat my words for saying ‘never’, he stood by me at my wedding, beaming with pride. That moment mattered. He mattered. And it was the last time I saw him as he truly was.

Weddings aren’t just celebrations, they’re snapshots of joy, connection, and love. I know how fleeting life can be, and I want to preserve those moments for others. Because in the years to come, when loved ones have moved on or changed, those photos will hold a little piece of who they were at their best. Capturing that? It’s an honor I don’t take lightly.