Finding the balance

I am extremely touched that my friends are going out of their way to recommend me and my work to people they know just to get me business. I am blessed to have new client opportunities coming to me. I just don't know if I am ready for it all.

More than anything, I want to move forward in building a photography business. I am excited, I want the clients, I want to practice. I still deal with the fear that I won't meet their expectations...but I am learning to get past that. As my knowledge and experience grows, my results get better, and my confidence grows with it. I also keep reminding myself that the fees I'm charging (which is another post altogether) are low enough to justify any shortcomings in my work. It is all about the practice for me right now.

With that said, is getting the practice worth the stress of overloading myself with appointments right before the holidays? Everyone comes out of the woodwork for photos before Christmas. I don't know if I can afford to pass up any opportunities...but I work a full time job on top of this. To top it off, I work afternoon shift with only Sundays and Mondays off. That leaves a very small window of time to schedule clients, and an even smaller window to process their orders. When will I get myself ready for Christmas? Maybe if I could freeze time...

It is getting to the point where I can't live with one foot on either side of the fence. I have to be all in or let the dream go for now. Where's the balance between moving forward with photography and keeping my sanity (and steady income?)