Ignoring the call.

It all started in 2004, when I was taking a photography class in High School.  I developed an extreme interest and passion for photography, which only grew with time.  My first DSLR purchase was the original Canon Rebel, which my fiance (now husband) bought for me as a pre-wedding gift.  And that's when it all really began.

Years later I was asked to photograph a wedding.  Very reluctantly I agreed, but first warned them, "I'm not a professional by any means!"  This was, and has been, my go-to line for quite some time.  Whenever a friend, family member, or stranger asks me to take their picture, that is always my signature statement.  It's my cushion, my safety net.  I figured if they were unhappy with their pictures that it was their own fault and no one could really blame me, because remember?  I warned them I was not a professional photographer.

In the last year or so, I clearly began hearing the Lord speak to me.  Talking to me about the talents He has given me, and how I am using them... or in this case, NOT using them.  The talents He gave me that I felt comfortable with, I have no issue using and serving.  But the ones that stretch me?  That challenge me?  That make me feel really vulnerable?  Those are the ones I was hiding behind, hoping no one would notice.

I have some serious insecurity issues.  I WANT people to like me, and if they don't, it hurts.  And when I hurt, I really hurt.  I am already an emotional person, but this is intensified in those times when I don't feel people's approval.  I knew going down this photography road, that I was pretty much opening the door and asking people to hurt my feelings.  There's always criticism, there's heartbreak, there's hurt.  And I was doing the best I could to avoid that. 

Every once in a while my Mom and Sister would give me a push.  "C'mon Megan, you can do this!  You take great pictures."  I would smile and thank them, and once again, push it aside... knowing the talent I had been given, but constantly wondering if I'd ever be good enough.  I'd think about it for a few days, measure myself against the competition, and decide I could never do it.  I really didn't WANT to do it.  Yes, I love taking pictures... but the business side of it?  No thanks.

The Lord has continued and is still (even at this moment!) working with me.  As much as I have tried to ignore Him, ignore this business, ignore this opportunity... I can't anymore.  I am blatantly disobeying Him when I feel like I have clearly heard from the Lord to GO. Move forward. Continue. Press on.

First and foremost, I want this business to be a ministry.  I want quality pictures to be available to everyone, without costing them an arm & leg.  I'm not in it for the money (though it still needs to be worth my while to be away from my family), and I'm definitely not in it for the fame.  I want to be used, I want my clients to see Jesus in me.  And really, I want to enjoy it.  I don't want this to be a burden or something I dread doing.  I want to love every moment, and never stop having butterflies at the beginning of each session.

And with that, Megan Keith Photography is born.  A new website hopefully coming soon, but in the mean time, please feel free to "like" my page on Facebook to keep up with my recent sessions.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24