When I decided to begin my own photography business, I actually took the time to really hope and dream about life as a professional photographer.

I spent the better part of a year taking additional courses to perfect my technique and home my skills, and I did several sessions with friends to build my portfolio and practice my techniques.

I spent nearly every waking hour thinking of business names, envisioning my website and business cards, and scouting locations for potential sessions. I looked at the world as if looking through my lens, composing, framing, observing the light.

I cleaned my hard drive, bought software and filters and lenses, made my own props, and filled hours by pinning infographics and inspirational quotes and tutorials and beautiful images onto multiple Pinterest boards.

I met with fellow entrepreneurs and took workshops and met with a consultant from the small business development council who specialized in creative entrepreneurs. I researched tax laws and legal considerations and did market analysis and competitive pricing, wrote my bio and marketing materials and read several books about writing your own business plan.

What I lacked in spontaneity, I made up for in attention to detail!

When I thought of naming my business, many people suggested Jill Nissen Photography. It certainly is the trend nowadays to name your photography business with your own name + Photography, and I knew I didn’t want that, primarily because my photography is not about me, it’s about YOU!

I wanted a name that reflected a classy, elegant style. I wanted a name that would be equally appropriate for personal photography and portraiture as it would be for events and small businesses. And I was especially drawn to names that reflected my Christian faith, or any of my other interests: rock music, oceanography, or digital design.

“The Proof” – strong contender because it has multiple meanings. Let my life be the proof of your love (for KING & COUNTRY song lyrics*).