Anyway...all that to say: I've made a decision. Actually, God made me realize that I needed to make this decision, and quick. I am no longer charging for my work. All of my shoots from now on will be "free will donation" and all proceeds go to our support fund. Clients will then recieve a receipt from the mission board as though they gave a "one-time" gift.
My decision was mainly: I'm a missionary FIRST, then a photographer. It seemed that my "business" was getting too "businessy" if you ask me. Things were getting way technical and I wasn't enjoying it quite like I used to. My photography hasn't turned into a business officially, but it was well on it's way. I needed to somehow rearrange my focus from the everyday to the future. Where were we heading? What is our goal as missionaries? For awhile, all of the money I made doing photoshoots went to baby things. Lots of baby things. But, we're no longer needing funds for big baby things. Just the norm. Now, I feel really convicted that I should be using my talents for God ALONE. No more keeping things for myself...it's not mine...none of it. God has equipped me a gift and I will serve Him with that gift.
That, my friends, is my decision.
And because a post is ALWAYS better with a picture...
9 comments:
what a cute pic!
wow that's a really awesome decision!! I found you off SITS. what an interesting life you lead :)
I love you, Sarah! What a decision. God will bless! I know it!
I'm proud of you Sarah!
What an awesome decision!
(And your little girl is PRECIOUS! Love those legwarmers!)
I am totally encouraged by you! I think it is so easy to get wraped up in "businessy" things and the money we are making and forget that God needs to be our first love and priority! thank you so much for posting that! I will be praying for you. Stopping by from SITS. I look forward to reading more!
That was an amazing and hard decision to make, I am sure! I look forward to donating to your missionary fund for my engagement photos in the future!
congratulations on this big and exciting decision.
you'll be blessed, I am sure...
Sylvia
Wow. What an amazing decision! I will definitely be praying that God blesses you!
Eeeee! I love this picture! The pigtails with the legwarmers(?)-- awesome!
Y'know, I feel the same way about photography. I am planning on upgrading my camera and really want to take more pictures, especially of families. When I think about trying to make money or charging people, it seems to take all the joy out of photography.
I have had this idea of photography as a ministry swirling around my head for the past year. I have been constantly reminded about my blessings for having pictures of Christian.. they have brought me much comfort in my grief.
BUT many families do not have one decent picture of their children or as a group. I want to give them that gift of a precious photo (with good lighting, sharp focus and vibrant colors-- oh and might as well have a little bokeh if possible too, right?).
Okay, done hijacking your comments. I was just excited to see someone else wanting to have photography as part of a ministry rather than just business. :)
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