My goal was never really to be a "wedding photographer"-- I know its not sustainable for me in the long run (even though I love it). Here's why:
Some backstory: I got asked to shoot my first wedding as somewhat of a favor for a family friend in 2020. They didn't have the budget to hire someone with experience and wanted me to give it my best shot. At first, I said no becasue I was terrified to mess up and ruin their wedding but they were persitant and believed in my skillset. I eventually agreed. I traveled to Michigan with them, shot the wedding (full of nerves) and everything actually went pretty well! I was so proud of myself because at the time I really believed that wedding photographers were just the top level of professionalism-- the best of the best.
Since then, I've shot 15 weddings solo.
I expected the fear of not being perfect, things going wrong, the couple not being happy, etc... but what I didn't expect was the pressure it would put on my body.
After about 2-3 weddings, I realized just how hard they knocked me out. I had to take pain medication all day long just to keep standing, and I would basically be bedridden for a day and a half afterwards. In the beginning I thought every wedding photographer dealt with this. I figured that the long days, constant movement, and running around just had that effect on everyone.
Because all of this, I was diagnosed with hypermobile joints (& informally diagnosed with Elhers Danlos Syndrome).
Right when I began falling in love with capturing love stories, I learned that my body wasn't going to be able to support me in doing that.
You're probably wondering why I am still shooting weddings... and that's simply because I can't force myself to stop. I tried, but I love weddings too much to give them up quite yet. I have learned how to cope with the pain the best I can-- sitting when I get the chance to, keeping up with medications, covering my body in CBD cream, etc... but I still designate the day after weddings to recovering.
I've decided to say "yes" to fewer weddings, and soak them in while I can because I won't continue to book them forever. Should I stop now? My physical therapist says so.... BUT just a few more.
P.S. if you see me dislocate my elbow at a wedding-- no you didn't.
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