THAT ONE QUESTION

“What are you doing after high-school?” The dreaded question. And if you’re in highschool (or remember senior year), don’t you feel like you hear that a lot? While all of my friends were talking about college and career paths, I would say, “I am planning on being a full time wedding photographer!” and I usually got one of three reactions. 

“Oh my gosh that is incredible! Wow, so no school? That’s awesome. Best of luck.” 

“Oh... wow, that’s interesting. So, no school? Are you sure?”  

“How much money does that make?”  

People are genuinely curious when you say that you are going into a position in the creative industry. It’s not necessarily safe. It has risks (like anything really) but when it is mostly gray areas, people get nervous. I get nervous. What if something goes wrong and I have nothing to fall back on? What if no one hires me? What if this photography thing backfires on me? College seems safer! College seems like a good solid plan, should I have done that? 

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. 

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9. 

“Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you...” Isaiah 43:4. 

Here’s the thing about uncertainty and the “dreaded after high-school question.” You don’t need to worry. Yes. Easier said that done. But think about it, if you are thinking of going into the creative industry, I assume that you have passions and giftings of creative nature. Whether it be photography, music, writing, or anything else, God has placed those inside of you for a reason. I can’t stress this enough. Those things are not mistakes, your loves and giftings are for a reason. God is working out a beautiful plan inside of you and all you need to do is keep walking forward, trusting Him for every step. He has drawn the boundary lines in pleasant places. He desires good for you. 

I used to get really nervous when people doubted me. I started doubting myself. Or ultimately, doubting God’s plan for my life. I really did feel called to be a photographer! I felt so passionate about it, but one conversation could make me question whether it was really what I was supposed to do. Be confident. Rest assured that when you align yourself with Jesus, He shows you what your unique + beautiful path is. He loves doing that. He loves you. 

P.S. I just want to clarify, I am not anti-college. I definitely definitely think that it is for some people. If you want to be a nurse, I don’t recommend shadowing a doctor and then saying you’re ready. ;) Again, everyone has a unique + beautiful path and that includes EVERYBODY. Not just those going into something “creative.” xoxo

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