People of a certain age might remember the phrase: "And now for something completely different".  It was commonly associated with a British comedy show called "Monty Python's Flying Circus", and it was used to introduce comedy skits that were so ridiculously off-the-wall, they would leave me and my high-school friends in stitches.

Despite my sense of humor, I've always been the kind of person who likes to plan things.  I like things to be predictable.  I will eat the same meal for lunch every time I go to a certain restaurant.  It might sound boring, but I always know what to expect.  I started my photography business in much the same way: standard product offerings (senior pictures, family portraits, etc.) at reasonable prices accompanied by old-fashioned customer service.  So the idea of going to a local cheer competition, setting up a studio in a high school atrium and taking pictures of random strangers for six hours is definitely not within my comfort zone. 

And that's exactly why it worked!  I was so far out of my comfort zone, I became the photographer people wanted to meet, and who they wanted to take their picture.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but by the end of the day I had taken over 300 photos and had a blast meeting and talking with hundreds of cheerleaders, parents, and grandparents.  It was a busy day, but it felt more like a party!  The pictures are now posted on my website and people are buying them!

The next time you're not sure whether you should try something you've never done before, do it!  You'll be glad you did!