2016 Instagram Best Nine
It's hard to believe 2016 is coming to a close. What an amazing year it has been. Because of my amazing clients, 2016 was the best year of my business and I am so excited to keep the momentum going and continue to grow in 2017. In my personal life, 2016 was my first 'full year' as a mama, and raising a baby from age 3 months to 15 months certainly was (and will continue to be) a rollercoaster learning curve that my husband and I love being on.
I love looking at the Instagram Best Nine, and this year, I love that my brand is so well represented, meaning the things that I love and value, my followers relate to and their little 'double taps' give me a virtual high five, coffee 'cheers', fist pump, whatever it may have you. Because though Instagram can be a vehicle for pretty photos, you can bet that I am a long-winded writer who would much rather have you stop scrolling and digest a message that is near and dear to my heart.
Here's a recap of my Instagram Best Nine and the things that make me so proud of my business.
My Clients
Of course, what would a photographer be without amazing people to take photographs of? It's no secret that my clients are truly more than just subjects to me. Their love stories are so worth documenting and I am consistently honored to give them snapshots of how amazing they are together. I care about my clients SO much and strive for their love to radiate from their photos so that their legacy can live on forever. These photos are memories that they will cherish, hang on their walls, pass along to their children and grandchildren. This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I want to shout a ginormous THANK YOU from the rooftops to all my amazing clients in 2016. Your trust in me truly makes my heart full and your support in my business means the world to me. You all are amazing.
Marriage
I truly believe in marriages far more beautiful than your wedding. I believe that standing up in front of your family and friends saying "I do" is much more than signing a piece of paper. I believe that marriage is choosing your forever partner to go through any and all seasons of life together. Am I a marriage expert? Nope. My husband Matt and I have been married for 3 1/2 years now, and now have a 15 month old daughter, Vera. We learn more about marriage everyday and get to love each other in a completely new way as parents.
Our parents have both been married for 30+ years and when Matt and I said "I do", we made a point to say that it was forever. In today's world of "when something is broken we throw it away and buy new", we believe marriage is something sacred that it is worth fixing, working on, and being a priority. Being able to work with engaged couples is so fun because that season of life is truly all about them as a couple. The things that make them tick, their quirky ins and outs, their similarities and differences, the things that they love most about each other that in combination have led them to choose forever with one another.
Me!
Behind the lens, behind the computer, behind the corner playing peek-a-boo with Vera are the places you'll usually find me. Minimal makeup, messy bun, and yoga pants in check. There are a ton of crazy talented photographers out there, but I want my brand to not only show you my work, but to show the person behind the camera (and it's so freaking heartwarming that my 2016 best nine does include so much love for me and my little family! You guys are the best!)
My photography business has given me the greatest joy of work that I could ever imagine in an unexpected way. I graduated with a Marketing degree thinking pencil skirts and high heels were my calling. In my corporate life I worked for companies both big and small, sat in cubicles, punched in and out, did the work but I day dreamed of a life where I could be my own boss. I could call my own shots, have my own crazy ideas, be creative, and make a difference in people's lives. Photography has done just that. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do", Steve Jobs. Well said, Steve. I confidently and excitedly get to produce great work because I really do love what I do. Aside from a photographer, I am a full time stay-at-home Mom to our daughter. The fact that I am able to live two dream jobs of a photographer and a stay-at-home Mom makes me grateful everyday. It is a balancing act for sure, but one that suits me perfectly.
Thank you all for your continued support of me, my family, and my business. Your comments, likes, shout-outs, reviews, kind words, and everything in between mean the world to me and I can't wait to see what the next year has to bring.