I survived my first year!!

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Wow, I can't believe its already been a year since I decided to turn my hobby/passion into a career! To be honest at first I really didn't think people would want to pay me to photograph them. I am so very grateful that I am able to do what I do for a living.

Its been a pretty crazy year! I've had ups and downs and had my head spin so fast I thought it was literally going to fall off. Throughout this year I had so many thoughts run through my head. I didn't think that I was good enough. I doubted myself a lot. Yes, sometimes coming home after a shoot and bawling my eyes out for a few hours, telling myself, "I am done, I am never taking another photo again." But when you fall off a horse you have to get back up and ride, right? I've learned to deal with the harsh criticism of society and let me tell you there are a lot of mean people out there. But learning to stand up for myself and knowing that some forms of criticism are a good thing, it just made me push on.

When I first starting shooting I was shooting with a regular good ol point and shoot camera. And was shooting anyone who would stand in front of me.

Like my bestest friend Brittany!! Isn't she cute?!!

And my highschool friend Des!! (thank you for braving the cold snow for me)

My little sister has been my most blogged model!! I love her so much!!

Then tragedy struck!! My son Ryder broke my point and shoot!! My beloved point and shoot that was like a second child to me was now garbage. I'm not going to lie I felt lost. No camera? What am I going to do without a camera?? Thats when the begging and borrowing started! I did what ever I could to get my hands on a camera. And thanks to good friends and family I was still able to get my photo taking fix.

With Shawn's Camera I did my first engagement shoot. I was so nervous. Even though Nate and Anna are friends of mine I was still so scared. I didn't want to mess this shoot up at all. But at the end of the day I was so happy with all the photos that turned out and it was super exciting to go to their wedding and see my work printed and used throughout their reception.

And I borrowed Anikah's camera quite a bit. One time to actually do a little shoot of her!

And I borrowed Steve's Camera to photograph some very cute kids.

Finally in March 2008 I bought my very first dslr. I was like a little kid on Christmas morning!! I couldn't wait to get home and start shooting! I was so excited to finally own a decent camera. With my new camera in hand I was a shooting machine, shooting everything and anything I could see through my lens.

My son was my main subject.

And his toys.

And flowers, oh I love photographing flowers.

I did my first portrait shoot with my new camera down in Gastown of Hillary. This girl was such a natural in front of the camera it was hard only to post one of my favorite photos. I loved all of them!

In May I did my favorite shoot of all time. I got the privilege of photographing  Venice Queen. They are one of my favorite bands. They needed some photos to enter the fox seeds contest and ask me to take them. I was super trilled and had such a blast with these guys.

From that point my career kicked into high gear. My inbox was flooded with people who wanted me to take photos for them. I could barley keep up with all the inquires. The feeling of people wanting you to take their photos is one that I can't explain. It is sheer bliss, I love it! Even better not only was I taking pictures for people down here in the Lower Mainland I traveled to the Okanagan to photograph some gorgeous people.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from one weekend up in the Okanagan.

Beautiful People!! Let me tell you!

One of my favorite things to photograph is families! I love seeing the interaction between them and all the love that they have for one another. 

But there is also a ton of love when shooting someones engagement photos. Shooting engagements makes my heart all warm and fuzzy!

One thing that I really wanted to do being a photographer was a TTD shoot. Trash The Dress. There is just something so beautiful about a shoot like this that I love.

Life was so busy. But I wasn't complaining, I loved it! I was loving everything about being a photographer. Until it was time to shoot my first wedding. I was so nervous. Seriously, I have never been so nervous in my life. I was about to take photos that a couple is going to cherish for the rest of their life. What if I missed a certain shot? What if they don't turn out right? What if they don't like them? What if, what if, what if? Thats what was going through my brain. I remember driving to Angie and Michaels wedding and singing at the top of my lungs trying to relax but it didn't work. But eventually I calmed down (after a few redbulls) and everything really did turn out even though it was 40+ outside. Thanks again Angie and Michael for being my first wedding to shoot ever! I am so grateful that you put your trust in me.

I love kids! And being able to photograph them growing is so precious. I love being able to capture little ones happy or sad. Being able to give mom and dad photos of their pride and joy that they will love and have forever is a great feeling.

Like I said before my beautiful little sister is my most blogged model. This girl is gorgeous. Definitely stole all the looks in the family. My main reason for shooting her isn't to build my portfolio, but is to show her that she is beautiful in every way. I think that taking photos like these empowers young girls to know that they are beautiful and boosts their self confidence in a good way.

  

My summer was so busy!! And I apologize for this blog being kind of scattered and jumpy. If you follow my blog regularity you know that I am not the best at blogging. The next few photos are my favorites from Amanda and Dave's engagement and wedding. I love these two!! So fun and full of energy!

Shooting weddings is my ultimate favorite thing to do. The emotion, the nerves, the laughter, the love. I can't get enough of it. I love love love WEDDINGS!!!!

 

I'm going to be honest. After some of these weddings I came home crying and told my husband that I quit and that I am just not good enough to be a professional photographer. I just can't do it anymore. But when clients tell me how happy they are with their photos it makes everything seem ok again. I've said it before but I really can't tell you enough, I have the best Clients!! I love you all so much!!

Speaking of the best clients I love when I get the chance to shoot people being themselves and thats exactly what I did with the next few shots. Ok ,I mean the location probably isn't really what they would be doing but being so natural together and candid, my fav!

It has been a crazy year. I have learned so much from trail and error, reading, googling, and stalking other photographers. You know who you are, thank you to for answering all my questions even the stupid ones. I hope one day to be as successful as all of you!
I know I repeat myself but I am just so blessed to be able to do what I do for a living. Photography is my passion and I love thing about it and being able to have it as my career is a dream come true. I really couldn't be any happier. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get this far. My clients, my family, my friends and other photographers. A special thank you to everyone who has supported me on Facebook and those who have spread the word about Kayci Gough Photography!!! Without all of you I probably wouldn't be doing what I do! I love all of you.

I can't wait to see what 2010 has in store!

Loves!