When this year started I was working as manager of 2 Jcp portrait locations. Honestly I was feeling very overwhelmed and had just dealt with the worst peak season ever.
I told myself and everyone else that if I could make it through that, I could make it through anything. What I did not realize at the time was that just because I could do it didn't mean I should.
When the shut down happened I took much of my time learning more about what I could do on my own. I realized I could choose to work with people that value my time and skill rather than work my butt off for people who didn't value a photographer's time and skill. I spent countless hours practicing and learning online. In June I started photographing outdoors again and in August I decided to leave Lifetouch and run my own business full time.
I am so thankful for all of the families that I have met this year that gave me a chance. I am also overjoyed that some of my past Jcp customers found me to photograph their families again. It was a weird feeling going from 10 years of experience to feeling like I'm a nobody. I had to find a whole new client base and learn some new things like how to work in ever changing conditions as opposed to a controlled studio environment. I had been slowly working on it for a couple years before leaving the studio but I never had much time.
I started this year photographing newborns outdoors only. I fell in love and I can't wait to do more when it is warmer out! When it got cold I couldn't just give up my job (what I love). I offered in home sessions. For newborn only it was more of a posed scene I would bring everything for. For the family images I did more of a lifestyle feel. I will still be offering all of these things in the coming year.
I have big plans for 2021 such as a newborn retreat where I will advance my skills, raising my prices, blogging and connecting more with everyone. I am offering prints for purchase through your online galleries now. I will also be offering a first year milestone package. I do have some sales planned that will be offered as a quick like 1 week thing.
For now I still photograph families, toddlers and the occasional wedding but I am leaning very heavily into newborns and infants since that is where my heart lies. Overall I just adore capturing the beauty and the wonderful moments in people's lives.
Here are just a few of the lovely babies I got to meet this year.
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