Sandi Bradshaw Blog | Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ Photographer

Sandi – simply put. . .you speak for a lot of people, photographers or not. Everybody feels this way at some point, don’t they? I think we can all get caught up in the mundaneness of our lives, work, because, let’s face it. . it is a grind. BUT – I think the sheer fact that you recognize your routine, and WANT to do better and something different shows that you ARE living life and not just existing. Trust me when I say, I see a LOT of people who just exist in this life, for various reasons, and they are okay with that. To me – that is the definition of existing – just not having a desire to do better or having the courage to try something new and different. Even though I haven’t met you, I can tell you are NOT in that category! GOOD LUCK, and ENJOY your trip to Atlanta. . breathe some new air, and I personally cannot WAIT to see what you do next. Thanks for the honesty – you are so inspirational.

So well worded Sandi. Time passes so quickly and sometimes I feel that I am just existing. Thank you for sharing all of this and enjoy your trip to Atlanta.

Oh Wow..I don’t even have a business but I feel exactly the same at times. Photography becomes overwhelming and I want to cry because I love it so much but it is letting me down (or I am letting myself down) and I don’t know which way to go. Sometimes we just need a break and we need time to get back on our feet. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We all go through tough times, but most important thing is to keep pushing and to keep growing. Your work is amazing and you don’t need words, your photographs speak for themselves. I always look forward to seeing your new work and your blog is one of my favorites. Have fun in Atlanta.

Thanks so much for sharing your real self. WOW … your posting and the video really spoke to me today!!! I have been struggling for the last year and a half trying to get a better “balance” in my life. I have a FT job and do photography PT. That pretty much means my family gets the left overs. I so don’t want it to be that way. I am currently reading an awesome book called “It All Goes Back in the Box” which basically is saying when life is done what will you find in your box. I want my box to have relationships … not just a career, possessions, etc. that we all strive to obtain. I just wish it were easier to obtain a balance. It’s a constant struggle of which we all must work at. Thanks again for sharing and being genuine!

This is a beautifully genuine post. I love it. I understand why we think we HAVE to do things in the photography business… but really… I don’t think we have to do anything that isn’t authentically us. I think you can blog whatever you want. Or not at all. If you really hate it then don’t put yourself through it or redefine it.

I’m really excited for you to go to the Z. Arias workshop. To do something different. To reevaluate and change things up. Even if outwardly to all of us things look the same you can still change things up on your side of the screen.

I completely get what you’re saying. I’m planning my own “life intervention” as I type this. But as long as we know that we CAN change things it’s less depressing while we’re in the midst of it.

thank you for sharing so intimately. wherever the journey takes you, i pray you find peace. wanting nothing more than to “break into the business” myself, it’s always a blessing to find posts like these in the blogs of photogs i follow. it keeps the dream real for me and helps me to gauge the growth of my dream.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” Keep your focus on what is true and real and unchanging. THAT is what will get you through these ruts that all people, regardless of their calling in life, will go through. It is sometimes the only light we can see. I was reminded of this verse at Imaging USA yesterday. He made you with this ability and passion for HIS glory. Use it for Him. I was very moved by the video several weeks ago when I first saw it. I hope you can have an impact on Zack as much as he will have an impact on you.

Ditto-ditto-ditto all the comments. I feel like I am drowning right now. I cannot find the balance between my passion that consumes me and my family & all that is required there. I am so thankful for the love of this art form, but I can not get on top of it. Maybe I’m not suppose to; maybe that’s part of the creating. I’m just tired though, and your post brought me to tears. But it also gives comfort at the same time. Thank you for sharing your heart and putting it out there.

What is it?!! Why does this resonate so deeply in all us photographers?!! Does having a photog business have to be this way? We do it because we love it….yes, but in the madness we hate what it does to us. We don’t want it to suffocate us and we don’t mean for it to take over our life, but it is a constant battle. And now it is out slow season, but often we don’t even allow ourselves to really slow down. We need to do this for the website and redo our pricing and on the list goes! I have been fighting with these questions also! Thanks for being so honest, Sandi! You have touched so many of us. Let us know what your heart finds. Blessings!

Holy cow, finally some who is brave enough to tell the truth about this business and put it all out there. For being someone who doesn’t like to write, this is extremely well written. As many of your commenters have already stated, they commiserate with you, as do I. We all feel that pressure to do it all, be everything to everyone, keep passionate and innovative, keep people interested and coming back… but at what cost? I hope you found a respite in Atlanta and get your mojo back. We all need some inspiration at times and someone to tell us it’s okay to feel like this and it’s okay to disappear for a while. Let us know how it goes!!! xoxo