The $1,100 Lens and the Man Who Said He Could Do It Cheaper

There’s a man in my house—and if you own a business, there’s probably one in yours too. You know the type. The “I can do it cheaper” guy. The “don’t hire someone, I’ve got this” man. Ours goes by the name Husband, and he just spent $1,100 on a camera lens to capture a single shot. One. Shot. Now, to his credit, it was a stunning shot. It was moody, artistic, dramatic—exactly the kind of vibe that makes you feel something when you scroll by. But as I stared at the invoice while holding my breath, all I could think was… this is how it starts. You open a spa, and before you know it, you’re also running a photography studio out of your living room. Of course, I wish I could say this was a rare occurrence. But if you know us—even a little—you know this is just a regular Thursday around here. The man seems to believe that when he orders off my account, the bills pay themselves. He’s got vision. And apparently, an invisible budget to go with it. And truthfully? I’m not even mad. Because when those moments come together—when the lighting is just right, the focus hits, and the reels roll out in a way that elevates everything I’ve worked so hard to build—it feels like magic. The kind of magic you can’t hire. The kind that’s brewed between creativity and chaos, somewhere between the spa table and the garage full of gear. So yes, I now own a facial studio and a photography hobby shop. Yes, I sigh every time the camera bag gets bigger. And yes, I sometimes daydream about a world where things arrive without a price tag. But if those thousand-dollar lenses are what help bring our vision to life—if they make people stop scrolling, start watching, and book with intention—then I guess I’m here for it. (At least until the next bill arrives.)