Reflecting on 2024
Did I ever think 2024 would end like it did? No chance whatsoever. You all have piled blessings upon blessings on me as I started this photography business in incredible ways. I am so thankful I got to serve over 45 clients in FOUR months.
I have learned a lot about myself and where I would like my business to go from here. First, here's what I learned about myself: Don't doubt yourself. I have always been afraid to set high goals to avoid being let down. But the problem with that is you doubt your capability and gift that God has blessed you with. I learned early on in this journey that I needed to remember I am on this Earth for a purpose that God has called me to, which has ultimately led me here. He doesn't lead you to a place He wants you to be and then abandon you. The more I reflected on that, I found peace and more excitement for building my business.
I reminded myself I can do this, and I began setting the goals for myself that I ACTUALLY wanted to hit. I got a pen and paper and created a three year business plan with where I would like this to lead. I reflected on the things that worked and the things that didn't, and I am here to tell you all I am SOOOO excited for what is in store!
Changes coming to fill my cup...
I am going to get vulnerable now: As I started building my business, I found myself constantly emptying my cup. Two jobs, two kids, a dog, a marriage, self-care, along with responsibilities is HARD to juggle, and I found myself struggling to manage it all. I was absolutely blessed to be incredibly busy with amazing clients, but managing time was difficult. I took a lot of time reflecting on this. I realized making sure I fulfilled my responsibilities while making the time for my family in a way they deserve is the most valuable asset I can pour back into my business.
So here's some changes as far as this goes: I will be closed on Thursdays and Fridays, with occasional exceptions. I won't be replying to emails, with the exception of my brief lunch break, and I will not be working on galleries these days. These are days I am going to set aside to focus and be intentional with my family. As a working mom, time with your kids during the week is extremely limited, especially when you have two jobs, which is why I will be setting aside these days to focus on them.
The next "big" change is turn-around-time! When I first started, I was delivering galleries back within a week (tops, usually 3-4 days), which meant I was working on editing every second of free time I had. In 2025, I will be increasing the turn around time to a more reasonable period (which will vary depending on season). As a photographer, I am just as excited to return your gallery to you as you are to see it. Please know, despite this change, you will not be waiting ages for your picture (roughly two week, once again, depending on the season). You can always reach out to me when you are looking to book a session to see what my current turn-around-time is!
These changes are going to allow me to be the wife and mother I want to be and that my family deserves. I will be able to say YES to my son and daughter's activities, family movie night, and all the fun each day brings! I am excited to connect intentionally with my family, as well as, take time to enjoy the little moments around me! This ultimately also helps me be able to better serve you, as well!
Restructuring sessions I offer
Another big change coming in 2025: I will be restructuring the sessions I offer. Back in August, I wasn't completely sure what I wanted my niche to be, except for knowing I did not want to tackle weddings haha. As we are approaching the end of the year, I am excited to know what direction I want to move forward with in photography!
I will continue to offer family, fresh 48, senior, and general portrait sessions year round. Here is where I feel called to make a difference in the photography world; it's my sweet spot. I will also continue to offer mini sessions throughout the year, which a preview can be found below! I love seeing all the kids, families, couples, and seniors! Getting to know each family and client has been so fun. I just seeing the love they share, the hugs they give, hear the laughter, and document true authentic moments that happen right before my eyes. It really is something special.
Now touching on fresh 48... this is what I hope to be one of my main focuses over the next several years. In fact, I will be offering a NEW package starting in 2025... which you can get all the details on below! It gives me all the excitement and joy inside even thinking about these sessions. There is something so special about all the raw moments and details of a new life that will one day grow and make a difference the world.
I will no longer be offering engagement sessions. I previously mentioned, I knew from the start I didn't want to tackle wedding photography, but I thought I would try out engagement sessions. Did I love getting to do the engagement sessions I did? 100%%%!!!! But, I found this is not where I feel my niche is. If you are looking for an engagement photographer, please do not hesitate to reach out, and I will happily refer you onto another photographer that won't disappoint you!
Fresh 48
Alright, the change that I am so incredibly excited for!!! I will continue offering fresh 48 session packages, where I come up to the hospital or place of birth to photograph the real moments of the first 48 hours of your baby's birth.
However, I am going to offer a grow with me package that you can book with your fresh 48 session! In this package you will get a fresh 48 session, six month session, and a year session! Let's face it, you blink and the first year is over. Our little ones are constantly changing and growing. You turn around and they hit another milestone, and before you know it they are driving (alright, we actually are not going to talk about that).
Your fresh 48 will take place at the place of birth (hospital, birthing center, even home within the first 48 hours of birth). Every single little detail is captured... flowers, room number, toes, fingers, raw bonding moments, literally everything!
Your six month session showcases how big your baby has gotten and what new milestones they have hit! Six month old's are actually so fun and are incredibly photogenic! Six month photos get overlooked sometimes, and I don't want you to miss out!! Once again details are still captured, while adding in family shots and individual candid portraits!
The last session included in the package is a year session! Celebrate the past 365 days with your little one, while photographing all the tricks they learned over the past year! Focusing on the joy your share within your family, candid and sweet moments are captured, along with snapping some details pictures to compare with your fresh 48 session!
Each day is so special in it's own way, and this is an excellent way to cherish the whole year! You can reach out to me for details on specific pricing for this package, which is cheaper than purchasing three individual sessions.
See you in 2025
Thank you for sticking with me through this longer blog, and THANK YOU to all the amazing clients that trusted me with capturing your family! I felt it was important to be transparent with you with what changes are coming and why! Now that it's all out there, I am even more excited to see what 2025 has to offer! I have a feeling it's going to be such an incredible year! See you in 2025!
