I can be a shy person at times. It can take me some time to get comfortable in a new environment and around new people. For example if I was invited to a party and I only knew the host. I would observe and try to find the right moment to break the ice with someone who seems approachable. After I get the courage and find the right words I'll approach someone and try to start a conversation. Once things warm up, I find that I didn't need to be so nervous.

When my first client PMd me on Facebook I was excited. We went back and forth on Facebook. I got her information, asked what she was looking for and booked a date. After this mini consultation I ran in to the living room to my husband and said
"I forgot something about going in to business!"
"What?" He said.
"I'm going to have to work for people I've never met!"
He laughed at me, and told me that it was going to be OK.

I know it sounds funny, and it is, but I was really nervous.  What if she doesn't like me, what if I don't produce the work she wants, or what if she decides I'm not worth my prices and spreads the word? All these things and more came to my mind.

I have always encouraged prospective clients to view my work before booking. When they contact me I usually lead them to the website or my FB page. I want to make sure that they didn't just hear about me or just saw one picture that they want an exact replica of (inserting their family/child/self).  I do not want to disappoint. I don't want to be viewed as a person with a nice camera. Sure if you stripped it all down, I guess that's what I am. I am an artist. If I wanted to get all artsy fartsy with you I am a painter of light.

I was contacted last night by another artist of a different genre. He likes my work, he was specific on what he was looking for and I'm confidant I can provide the work he wants. However, I'm still nervous.  What if his demeanor in person is completely different then what I perceived during our chat? What if our personalities clash? What if I give him product/event work and he wanted it to look more like my portrait work or my stylized work? What if I have misunderstood everything?

Step back, breath. He could be nervous too. He's about to spend his hard earned money on another artist to portray his life's work. I could fail his expectations and he would have already signed a contract for the work I provide.  We both have things to be nervous about.

Step back, again, breath deeper. He's seen my work, and I have seen his. He has shown me the type of shots he wants and he has seen what I have produced in the past. It's going to be OK. This is why I am meeting with him in person before the actual work is to be done.  It is at this time that we will know whether we will work well together. We will be able to go over more of my product and what he wants face to face.

Sometimes when meeting new people, alone, I fear for my safety in this crazy world. That's no way to live though.  I got in to this business because it has been my dream. Working with people I don't know is part of the deal. I can take precautions. I can watch for red flags. If someone books me for a family shoot and they arrive alone or without those little children they told me so much about, that's a red flag. If someone wants some head shots in their home and refuses to allow me to bring an assistant (aka witness) another red flag.  I can't live in fear. You can't live in fear. There are many people and things in this world that can hurt you. There are far many more that won't bat an eye in your direction. You can't hide from the dangers in this world forever. You take a risk every day you step out of bed. Big or small every step we make is a risk.

Step forward, make your way in the world. Overcome your fears. Step outside of your comfort zone. Except spiders, you should always be afraid of spiders.  You get one life on Earth, I don't know about you, but I don't want to stay in bed too afraid to step on the hard floor beneath.

P.S. My first client came back again, and has contacted me for a third session. What was I so afraid of?