We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joy Bijedic. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joy below.

Joy , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have never had a traditional job. Growing up I coached gymnastics for ten years throughout my schooling. After college, I waited tables while pursuing my dream of singing and acting. After another almost ten years of that path, I stumbled back on photography. I had always loved it growing up. My Mom was big on taking photos and videos. I even entered a photography contest in junior high. I just never viewed it as a career. At the time it was a male dominated field and not digital yet. However, in my late twenties I started “modeling” for friends so they could practice their craft. When I turned thirty it dawned on me that I could make a career out of photography as well. I knew I wasn’t a “sit at the desk” nine to five person. I liked to be creative and active. This gave me the freedom I craved, but also control of my schedule.

I didn’t go full time right away. When I first started my company I was charging very little per session and still working full time as a server and bartender. It wasn’t until five years in that I made the jump to full time. This is my fifteenth year in business. It is hard work. It is scary at times. There is no job assurance. I never know from year to year if I will make enough. I don’t get benefits, bonuses or paid vacation. My company consists of me. I do all the work. I handle not only the creative side, but the business side too. There is always something to be done. People view self-employment as a way to work less. However, in reality, we probably work the same or more.

That being said, I love being a full time creative. It gives me the flexibility to be present in my son’s life. That is my number one goal. Being the best Mom I can be.

I often joke that our job is opposite of teachers. Photographers work their butts off in busy season (where I live that’s end of spring through Thanksgiving). Then, we hibernate for winter, mentally recoup our creativity and work behind the scenes on growing our business.

Going full time is a marathon, not a sprint. I am glad I didn’t rush it. Waiting five years gave me not only the confidence, but the financial stability to know that if things started to slow for whatever reason, I had money in savings to help me out. That would be my number one advice to anyone wanting to go full-time. Save one year’s worth of “bills” before making the leap. It can be done without it, but it is more comforting knowing it’s there.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Joy! I’m a wedding and family photographer based in Wheaton, capturing memories all around the Chicago area and wherever adventure takes me. I’m a Disney enthusiast, an organizational whiz, and an animal lover, but honestly, I’m just a big kid at heart. People love to tease me by calling me a Disney Princess, but let’s be real—I’m way more of a Moana than a Sleeping Beauty. I’m not afraid to climb things, sprawl under cars, or get completely goofy to nail that perfect shot (or just to get someone to laugh!). A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to make the magic happen!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When I began my photography company I was living in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the time. I had a photographer friend that lived there, but that was it. Four years later when I relocated back home to the Chicago area, I learned about many different networking groups that allowed me to connect with other local photographers. As an introvert it was difficult for me at times, but it was key for me to grow a network. Now I have a good friend I meet with monthly to to talk business masterminds. We also attend photography conferences together. I have a large support system, so if an emergency occurs and I am unable to attend a wedding, I know I have someone I can trust to cover for me. I also met one of my very good friends at a networking event. One of the first ones we attended. She is no longer in the industry, but we remain good friends. We even have kids only six weeks apart. I wish I had known these types of resources existed sooner. It might have helped my business grow faster in earlier years. Either way, I am glad I found it and have the support I need now.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In 2014 I relocated back to Chicago after living in Tulsa, Oklahoma for eleven years. Basically, I had to start my business over from scratch. That was terrifying. Four years in a had a solid following in Tulsa. I had even begun to switch from only families to add weddings as well. Moving to a larger market with many more experienced photographers was intimidating and frustrating at times. It’s like pushing a ball down the hill and you watch it start to gain more and more momentum only to run into a boulder and come to a crashing halt. You then must climb back up the hill and roll the ball again. It’s not that it was hard to start over. Just frustrating. Many people do it. Looking back, I am grateful I moved back home. Not only to be closer to my family but being in the Chicago area offers me more opportunities (despite the saturated market).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beingjoyphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingjoyphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingjoyphotography