How do I begin? There is so much to say but I don’t know how to say it!
To start off, I don’t believe that everything happens for a reason, I believe that God is Sovereign. His plan for my life is what I choose to trust.
It is God’s timing that makes my faith stronger. This time with Katelyn James was life-changing and mind-blowing. I know those are both cheesy, cliche words but they are what perfectly fits my experience. Seven years of content in two days. Just think about that for a second.
What defines me?
My business didn’t start like most photography businesses started. I don’t regret at all how I started because it is a memory I will always cherish. I was excited about it and I have great memories of starting it, putting it together, coming up with the name, everything I loved. A lot has happened since day 1, but details from what happened aren’t what’s important. I’m not here to bash anyone or anything or let that define my business. I have learned a lot from my mistakes, but it was hard for me to talk about until this workshop. I have never shared my struggles or fears with anyone except my husband. I wasn’t even planning on sharing this part of my story at the workshop but we got into this late night discussion and the tears just started flowing. Of course, I was embarrassed, but it felt so natural and so good to talk it out with Katelyn and these ladies. Community. Community. Community.
After the workshop was over and I said my goodbyes to the ladies, I went back to my hotel room and just cried it out (and if you ask my husband, he knows I just cry and cry about things I’m passionate about). I originally was looking forward to that last night by myself (I shared a room with a wonderful stranger-to-friend, Candi – love you girl!) to just relax, watch TV, enjoy the quiet, but that’s not what happened. I came back and immediately opened my laptop to collect my thoughts. With my Bible open, snuggled in the bed, I poured out to the Lord how thankful I was for allowing Katelyn to bless my life. He spoke through her these past two days and I am overjoyed. My cup runneth over! I have let too many other things and distractions define me and I didn’t even realize how much they were weighing on me. I literally have never felt this way about anything. Everyone has a part in their past that is hard to deal with and hard to heal from. If I chose to not share that part of my story, then I don’t think I would have healed just a little bit more that night.
Just to hear the other ladies tell me how genuine I was, just meant everything to me. Their words were so uplifting and these ladies have known me for two days!!! That would never happen if this workshop was in a venue with 50 other people.
What was the overall lesson from the workshop?
I learned the most about being able to educate my brides about how an ELKA wedding should go to get the best experience possible. The experience you are paying for is what I need to focus on. Educating brides about a few little things can make a huge impact with how their wedding will go. Along with experience, I learned about posing, lighting, editing, workflow, tools & tips, products and website advice. Everything under the sun! She shared all of her secrets and it was so helpful to hear what worked and what didn’t work.
One thing I really admired about Katelyn and her approach to a successful business, was her perspective on growth. Of course I want to grow my business and expand and make money to support my family…but…”we only grow when we start to give.” She said that and I couldn’t help but smile. This approach to a business is different but so me! I want my business to be so much more than a delivery of photos to you. I want to make sure you know that I care about you and even if ELKAphoto didn’t exist, you would still know who Lindsey is. Not to get super deep, but when my life is over and this world is gone, none of my pictures will matter. Only what is in my heart will matter. “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” Hebrews 13:14
How can I change?
My business model is not what it was when I first started. And that is true for a lot of people. I think the vision was there but I didn’t know what I was doing, I didn’t educate myself on enough, and I was just dreaming and not planning. Everyone starts somewhere and when I look back, I’m so glad for the lessons that I learned. I could go on and on about the craziest and silliest things that I spent my time doing. And Katelyn will tell you that too. But she’s not ashamed of them, she shared them to benefit our growth. There are so many things that I’ve taken away from her experience/testimony.
One way I think I really need to change is a complete rebrand. This sounds scary to me because I know it’s a ton of work, but I need it. Hearing Katelyn’s advice just confirmed that. So, are there changes coming? YES! Be on the look out for a launch of Lindsey Yeagley Photo! There are so many exciting secret projects I’m working on that I cannot wait to share!
I am praying that when you’re done reading this, you will know my heart just a little better. And you’ll know why I do what I do. It is so much more than photographs.
Katelyn, thank you for being you! Your example and leadership have blessed my life. Thank you for listening to the Lord and being obedient. You are truly changing this industry. I’m so honored I met you and Michael. I took all of your advice to heart and I’m setting goals to be a better leader. This experience changed my life even though that sounds crazy. I look forward to staying in touch with you! You’re the best! I read this verse and thought of you immediately because when I look at you, I see Jesus. “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7
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I wanted to share a bunch of behind the scenes photos from the workshop, plus two photos of the styled shoot we did! I can’t wait to show the rest but I have to wait!
