WHY!?

Have you heard of Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why? As a photographer, I had trouble verbalizing my “why”. I was asked “WHY would you do this!? WHY would you volunteer?” Well, that’s an easy question to answer, for me it’s about the kids. When my kids were in school doing extra curricular activities and sports, I always got sucked into the packages of pictures. It was always set in stone and the most expensive package had exactly what I wanted and ala carte wasn’t an option. 

I have been volunteering with Liberty High School for over six years now. I don’t say that to toot my own horn, it truly is part of my WHY. It started as Dipsey Doodle Photography and as a stand in because a photographer was out sick. After being referred to as “Picture Lady” by Coach Smith it stuck. When I formed my LLC, Picture Lady it was!

After years of middle of summer Seven on Seven’s and Big Man tournaments in 110 degree summer days, road trips to Vegas for games, Friday night lights during the fall… It became part of my business DNA. I was lucky to be asked to start shooting girls volleyball and then this year, men’s basketball! While I have been told by others in my profession it could “cheapen” my brand, my heart is over filled with blessings and feeling very grateful to have the trust of the coaches. 

So back to my why… for Picture Lady, it’s about the kids. I love when I see them, and they say “Hi Picture Lady!” I love that they download the pictures I took. I love that they are able to have this memory of high school. I even don’t mind getting stepped on with cleats, tripped over on the court, each bump, bruise, chipped lens and broken camera has a story. Something for me to remember. This evening I came home with mind not in a great space but ended the evening after editing tonight’s game with a grateful heart! Love my Lions and memories THEY GIVE ME.