As I sit here trying to figure out what project to work on next out of the 10+ I have waiting, I see my husband Aaron sleeping on the couch. He fell asleep waiting for me to finish what I was working on. I kept saying " Just a few more minutes, Im almost done." Seems like this has been my life for the last 6 months.
It all started in 2011. I was beginning to reap all of the sowing I did in my first year! I was getting job after job after job! It didn't matter what it was, I would take it on! From weddings to real estate to design to seniors to families to newborns to promotions...well everything! I was learning so much, meeting so many amazing people, amazing photographers, friends BUT I was losing my drive and inspiration! I don't know why but I just wanted to please everyone. When emails would come in I would find a slot no matter how busy I was, I didn't want to let anyone down. I hadn't even touched my blog since September! I had to try and be Super Woman and shoot everyday, literally! I had little time for God, my family, my husband, my friends, myself. It had been tearing me apart not being able to work on one project at a time and put the effort I need to in it. I had emails that would sit for days unanswered. What I was doing was not helping me or my clients. Something had to change so here goes...
It all started in 2011. I was beginning to reap all of the sowing I did in my first year! I was getting job after job after job! It didn't matter what it was, I would take it on! From weddings to real estate to design to seniors to families to newborns to promotions...well everything! I was learning so much, meeting so many amazing people, amazing photographers, friends BUT I was losing my drive and inspiration! I don't know why but I just wanted to please everyone. When emails would come in I would find a slot no matter how busy I was, I didn't want to let anyone down. I hadn't even touched my blog since September! I had to try and be Super Woman and shoot everyday, literally! I had little time for God, my family, my husband, my friends, myself. It had been tearing me apart not being able to work on one project at a time and put the effort I need to in it. I had emails that would sit for days unanswered. What I was doing was not helping me or my clients. Something had to change so here goes...
As of January 2012, I am slowing down to re-evaluate where I need to go.
First things first: I want to shoot what I love. The way I found this out is I looked at what gives me the most joy! It is literally hands down KIDS! I love little kids. I mean LOVE little chubby cheeks, messy faces, crazy hair, giggling kids! I can't even get over it! I love their little voices, big eyes and unending energy! This is my first LOVE! I will be dedicating most of my time to them.
My second love is couples. Whether it be an engagement or a wedding, I just love getting two people who love eachother, together. Its so funny to see how two people can be when you turn a camera on them and let them be themselves! It creates the best moments and genuine emotion.
My last love is a tie. I love shooting seniors and boudoir just about exactly the same. Getting someone to pose in a way that is flattering to their body is the same to me in any setting. I have found that I have a little bit of a nack in this area. I don't know why but I haven't struggled as much with it so Im not complaining! I may have to set up a separate business just for my Boudior only because it has been more popular than I would have ever imagined.
WEBSITE!
Wow really? I actually might get a real grown up web site? I can't even believe I have gone this long without one. But with the craziness that was 2011, I thought, "If it ain't broken, don't fix it". As I gear up for a great year I owe it to everyone who I have photographed along with my friends and family to showcase them in a proper way!
NEW PRICING AND PACKAGES!
I know. As a client you never want to hear that, however, I have to be able to slow down and get back to that service that I truly want to give. I am planning on giving much more than a disc and a "See ya next time". I hate that! I am planning on scouting some pretty amazing places somewhat off the beaten path. A session will be planned out more than a day or 2 before. I want that week to be dedicated to a client and preparing for the session. Again, service.
I know. As a client you never want to hear that, however, I have to be able to slow down and get back to that service that I truly want to give. I am planning on giving much more than a disc and a "See ya next time". I hate that! I am planning on scouting some pretty amazing places somewhat off the beaten path. A session will be planned out more than a day or 2 before. I want that week to be dedicated to a client and preparing for the session. Again, service.
I am so excited to share with you my journey this year, which means more blogging. I want to let people know who I am, not just as a photographer but as Annie.
I pray that 2012 is a wonderful year!
So the journey begins....