I Got into the WPJA! OH MY GOD!

Okay, so this is the EIGHTH time I have applied to be in the WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association Visit: www.wpja.com). I have been rejected the last 7 times. I have tried redesigning my site...didn't work...I have tried changing my gallery around...and that didn't work for a while.... I think it's because I haven't prayed about it before, thinking it was not important enough for God. Well I WAS WRONG! Before submitting my application the 8th time around, I prayed to God that He would help me to get in, if it was in His will, and I expressed to Him how much it would mean to me if I were accepted.
For those of you not in the know, it is EXTREMELY difficult to get into this organization. They receive thousands of applications a month from wedding photographers all around the world, and only 5% get in or are even considered. FIVE PERCENT!


After submitting the application the last time, I knew that it would be another waiting game. 3 weeks to be exact, is how long I would have to wait if I ever received a response. They don't have time to respond to everyone so if they don't get back to you, you didn't get in. The first seven times I didn't get anything from them at all. Well, about 23 days went by and I gave up and figured I'd do a few more weddings and try again. Until I checked my email and there it was... "From: WPJA Administration". To be honest, my stomach was churning because I really thought they would say: "STOP WRITING US! YOU'RE NOT GETTING IN!" But then I read that they thought I would be a "good fit" for the WPJA after making a few tweaks to my gallery. So I did, and waited, and waited, and waited again for a response. Two weeks went by and no word, so I thought: "Well, I almost made it. Maybe next time." Honestly I was pretty down. This was a couple of days ago when I gave up all hope...UNTIL today. I was checking my email for something else and there it was again: "From: WPJA Administration." I totally didn't expect this. Again, I felt as though I was going to throw up. Usually the feeling I get when I am rejected except that I wasn't yet; but I was still expecting the worst. And then here's what it said:


"Hi Caroline,
Wow! Looks like a totally different site. Good job! We are sure this will help with your bookings.
We are happy to inform you that after having reviewed your edited web site and image portfolio, we agree you meet the WPJA membership requirements! We look forward to having you as a member. Your listing will be published on the WPJA web site... Our Membership Services department will be contacting you shortly...
Sincerely,
David RobertsWPJA


I RAN through the house screaming in joy thanking God Almighty above. I could not have done this without Him! I cannot believe that I am now among the top 5% of wedding photographers in the world! I don't feel like I belong there, because most of these photographers in their organization are absolutely AMAZING! But I am so grateful and humbled by this, and I will never take it for granted. THANK YOU JESUS!
Just thought I'd share this with all of you. I am too excited, I couldn't hold it in. : ) ALSO, the WPD (Wedding Photography Directory) will be publishing an article I wrote on their front page in July AND they will be showcasing one of my photos as Photo of the Month in July. I will get you those links when they're up. Their website is www.weddingphotographydirectory.com .


I have God to thank for giving me so much patience and the power to help me do as much as hard work as I have done. I had been going crazy for a while, but I have accomplished what I have always wanted to accomplish in my business, and I feel so underserving of it, still. I also have Alin, my husband, to thank. He was there with me at each wedding when I was pregnant and even when I wasn't. He was such a huge help and if it weren't for him, I would not have had so much time to take the photos I had gotten, instead of worrying about my equipment. Thank you God, and thank you Alin and thanks to everyone who has supported me in every way! You know who you are ; )


Sincerely,
Caroline