I’ve donned my favorite lounge pants, poured a glass of Riesling, and I’m ready to spend a quiet night at home with the dogs and my hubby. I can’t think of a better way to finish out the year, and oh what a year it has been. Twelve months ago I had a brand new camera, no idea what I was doing, and one really big blurry picture in my head of what I wanted for my life.
This year I’ve reminded myself of my pre-teen self, when I was quite obviously head-over-heels in Crushville for that blonde-headed boy in class. I’d spend the afternoons daydreaming about the day when he’d ask me to be his girlfriend, all the while completely denying even knowing his name when my friends would ask me if I liked him.
“You think I like who?!…Are you crazy? I’m not even sure I know who that is. Why would I like him? You have no idea what you’re talking about…Please.”
I felt that way this year. Any time anyone would ask me about photography, I’d try to play it off (key word is try) like I was too cool for school.
Me, a photographer? No, no, I just play around here and there a little. It’s nothing, really. I actually have no idea what I’m doing.
As cool as I tried to be, I’m pretty sure I’m just as transparent as I was back in grade school. In the words of Jasmine Star, I was knocking on photography’s door, and even flirting a little, but that was it. I didn’t really want anyone to catch on. Because then I’d be vulnerable.
For months now, I’ve been thinking about my goals for the new year and what I want my life to look like in 2012. It’s time for me to put a stake in the ground, because that’s the only way I’m going to get anywhere. So, you’ll hear it first.
2012 is going to be about building my business, Ashley Terry Creative. Starting from the ground, bootstrappin’ it like the best of ’em, and earning my place in the industry. Writing & wedding photography. Yes, I said wedding photography. No, I’m not overlooking the obvious, crazy as it may seem. I’ve never really shot a wedding. So I must start somewhere.
To all my family and friends, here it is: I want to be a wedding photographer. Typing that sentence almost throws me into a panic attack, but it also feels so exciting! So if you know anyone who’s getting engaged or married or might be getting engaged or married, or wants to pretend they’re engaged or getting married, and has no budget, I’m asking you to please send them to my site to get to know me a little. Because I have photography skills but I need to get experience with a wedding, I’m offering to provide full coverage for one wedding, completely free. Yes, free.
If you’re a wedding photographer in need of a second shooter, assistant, or someone to bring you cold water and fan you while you work, I’m your girl. I’d be thrilled to talk to you about any possible opportunities to work with you. It would be an honor.
So there it is. No going back. No debating over what I want to do or where I want to go, it’s out there. 2012, watch out. Here I come!
So even though you can’t see me, I’m raising my glass of Riesling. Here’s to you, to all of your triumphs and challenges in 2011, and to a very happy, very safe, very BLESSED new year. Cheers, my friends! Let’s do this!
Ashley Terry 2011
The Blog: Ashley Terry 
Congratulations on your decision. I made that decision myself this year (2011). For over 20 years I have been a wedding and event planner; always for a corporation and never truly appreciated. I made the decision that I was starting my own business and in November, I made the biggest move in my life, Eventacular! Texas was born. I have been putting all of my efforts into the internet and marketing myself. It is a lot of work but knowing that my fate and future is now in my own hands is a feeling of relief and fear all at the same time. My 1st wedding show is January 15 and I will call that my coming out party. Trying to start a business over the holidays is not the best time. All of my current contacts were very busy during the holidays, but they are over, so I can officially start getting in their face (so to speak). I am offering a free Complete Wedding Package to a very lucky bride. Exposure is the key and referrals are vital. I figured, what is one complimentary wedding to get that message across. Good marketing and blogging material. Good luck in your venture. Don’t give up. Concentrate on the internet and networking with the right industry organizations.
Thanks for the kind words, Kat! Sounds like 2011 was a big year all around. I wish you the very best of luck in 2012. Maybe someday we can work together to give someone the wedding of their dreams!
-Ashley
Ashley, I am so proud of you!! This is going to be the best year yet!!
Thank you! Don’t know if I would have done it without our talks. Love you!
I have faith in you Ashley. You have always reached deep inside yourself and found a way to make things happen when you want them. I know, without a doubt, that you’ll succeed at this too. It may be a bumpy road, but listen to your heart and always follow your dream – no matter what.
So excited to see what happens! I believe in you!
That means so much to me, Leah! Working with you at our wedding is what made me realize how much I missed photography! You made me fall in love all over again, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. I owe so much to you!
Ashley, I randomly fell onto your blog and commend you. It’s a big step and you can definitely do it. Do what you love and do it well. Let me know if you have any photog questions. I’m happy to help!
Wow, thank you so much, Katie! I love your blog! So awesome to get inspiration and encouragement from other photographers.