Passion is what keeps you in the game when failure is paving your way, and it's what separates you from the people who are just looking for a "cool" career and some extra money. It's not simply a feel-good high that makes you want to act. Here is what passion is and what it isn't.

The wedding hangover that photographers talk about is a real phenomenon: the achy muscles, the sore feet, the general feeling of having just been hit by a truck. For me, it was in full swing before the wedding was even over.

Wedding season is officially underway, and a lot of clients want to know that you have the tools you need. Not every client does but occasionally you get the client asking about what kind of gear you have. They may recognize your tools of the trade, they may just want to know that you're prepared and not just bringing your iPhone to their big day. I thought I would give a rundown of what I carry with me on wedding days and how I prepare to capture my clients' most valuable moments.

The last few weeks have been a mixed bag. A lot of really good things but a few really terrifying things. I met with a client last week who is working with a really interesting startup company (due to my confidentiality policy I won't disclose that here) that I'm super stoked to work with. On the sad and bad side things, the graphics card on my desktop computer crapped out.

These are some of the biggest temptations that new business owners face. Avoiding these may be more costly than not, but they are certainly cheaper than the consequences. Don't forget that part of building your brand is building your reputation and the integrity of your company, and that comes down to what you do when you think nobody will notice. Your brand is worth a good reputation. In fact, it depends on it.

Lots of great things are happening these days! I got my passport, which I have been wanting for years. If you feel like getting hitched in Jamaica or you want portraits in the Canadian Rockies, I can do that now. Also in this section of entrepreneurial trail,  got a new organization tool from House of Flynn that my business has been needing for a long time, and I'm singing the praises of my friend Jill Belgarde.

Over the past year of photographing people, I've been exploring the vulnerability of being a subject because I want my clients to feel like being photographed is natural and effortless. Last week I covered some of my experiences with photographing people who aren't comfortable or aren't accustomed to being photographed and advised photographers to put themselves in their clients' place and model for someone. If you're considering having photos taken, this post is for you.

So we flipped the calendar again. How about that? How's 2018 treating you? So far, my year has been busy, as I have unexpectedly had to devote time to taking care of a sick family member. I haven't just been ignoring everyone.