Y'all, I recently found out that I've been voted as one of the Best Professional Photographers in Durham, which was part of Durham Magazine's "The Best of Durham 2018" issue (see page 66!). Awards like these are seriously SO humbling and honoring especially for small business owners. Anyone who owns a small business knows how much time, sweat, work, and effort you pour into your business. I remember Lori Greiner, from the popular show Shark Tank, once said that entrepreneurs are "the only people who work 80 hour weeks to avoid working 40 hour weeks." It's so true!

All of this to say THANK YOU to all who've supported me. This would not have been possible without all of YOU. I look forward to continue serving you and this vibrant community, and capturing your most precious memories! Congratulations to ALL the winners of Durham Magazine's "The Best of Durham 2018" issue!

Hey friends! I wanted to write something more personal today and share my story on why I started my photography business.

First a little background...I've always gravitated towards the arts. I was definitely not the athlete kid or had any kind of interest in sports. Whether it was music (I know how to play four instruments!), drawing, or creating videos, I've always had the deep desire and passion to create. And not just to create, but to make whatever I'm creating beautiful, and to evoke emotion.

With that being said, I got into photography when I got my first digital point and shoot camera back in 2006 as a gift. It was a Panasonic DMC-LZ3! Here are some of the first shots I got (yup, I was really into black and white photos, as well as patterns and lines!):

"H" | By G. Lin Photography

"Crossing Over" | By G. Lin Photography

"Three Amigos" | By G. Lin Photography

Simply put, photography became a newfound love of mine! Being able to capture the moment and create art was addicting and FUN. There's nothing like seeing your photos and feeling satisfied with your artwork (those who are artists know what I mean!).

Ever since then, I've been honing my photography skills through the years and have always dreamt of the idea of starting my own business. Why? Because helping and serving other people truly gives me great joy. Seriously, every personality test I've taken identifies me as the "Helper" and it really does describe me!

The stars aligned in 2016 and it was the perfect time to start my business. I remember the day I registered as an LLC, I felt so nervous (like I had cold feet!) because my business--my dream--was going to be OFFICIAL! But I knew if I didn't launch it, I would TOTALLY regret it. Thus, I officially launched my business here in the Raleigh-Durham area in the fall of 2016!

The best part of being a photographer is the opportunity to capture life's most precious moments with other people. To experience those vulnerable moments (like a proposal!) or intimate, sweet moments (like a lifestyle newborn shoot) always bring a tear to my eye! It's really about getting to know people and telling their story that inspires me every day. It's tender moments like THIS that I want people to remember...

"Tender Love" | By G. Lin Photography

Today I have the honor to be a photographer, and I can't believe I get to call it my "job." It really doesn't feel like a job because I truly LOVE what I get to do, and the people I get to meet! By the end of a shoot, my clients become friends and I feel like I'm part of their family!

Hope y'all enjoyed this blog! If you'd like to get to know me more, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest! Or, get in touch with me here and we can grab some coffee together (chatting in person is my favorite way to connect). I'd love to meet you!

- Genevieve

Want to start your own photography business?

I highly recommend reading this super helpful article, "How to Start a Photography Business" by ShootDotEdit. They are a reputable and trusted resource and I've always found their articles to be informative, and think you'll find this article helpful, too!