...plus another sweet photography giveaway!
FOUR years ago yesterday, was the last day I spent working for another employer. I'll never forget the day I went to give my boss the notice I would be leaving. I was a ball of anxious nerves like I'd never been before, and still haven't been since. I was terrified to be venturing into unknown waters of working for myself, and had no idea if I'd even make it past the first year. But at the same time, I was so excited to be taking the risk and just knew in my gut that I needed to make this step and transition in my life.
If you're expecting me to sit here and tell you it's been an easy, magical ride, I can assure you that has not been the case. Working for yourself – as any other self-employed person would probably tell you – is some seriously hard (but seriously rewarding) shit. There are days when I've woken up filled with energy and excitement and I'm crossing things off my to do list in true boss-like fashion. And then there are days when I struggle to get anything done because there's so much to do that I don't even know where to begin. There are days that fuel my creative soul, and make me feeling so proud and simultaneously inspired to do even better. And then there are days when all I struggle really hard to not beat myself up over something I felt I could have done better. There are days spent photographing and having conversations all day, surrounded by other people and documenting or hearing unique stories. And there are days spent cooped up in my office by myself staring at a computer screen for 16 hours straight, often forgetting to eat and forgetting anything outside my office even exists. There are days where I can say "YES, I can make it!" to a request to hang out with friends (who in all honesty, I do not get to see enough of these days) or "YES!" to a last minute photography booking. And then there are days when I'm a hot mess because not only is it the busiest time of year shooting wise, but everyone needs something ASAP, and oh, it's also fucking quarterly sales tax time, again. Needless to say, as with anything in life, there are good and bad days when it comes to working for yourself. But I would happily take all the bad days working for myself over working for someone else doing something that I wasn't passionate about, and I really am without any question, so happy (and beyond thankful) to be doing what I do.
The last several years have been one of the greatest adventures I've ever been on, and I know absolutely NONE of this would be possible without the people who trusted in me for their photography needs. Whether you were a client who hired me or someone who has followed me or given my name to others looking for a photographer, every single ounce of support is truly appreciated. I also need to give a huge shout-out to my husband, who has been helping me reach this dream of mine since the very first day we met with an endless supply of lattes, dinners, and encouragement. For all of you, I am forever and ever grateful.
This overwhelming feeling of appreciation, the fact that I'm about to head into my 5th busy season as a full-time photographer, and the fact it's my birthday in a few days, has me feeling oh-so-loved. And more than anything, I'd love to bring a little more joy into someone else's life right now, too.
That is why, I've decided to offer another sweet giveaway to one lucky couple or family! I've outlined the full details on my website here.... but don't delay, the entry deadline is this Saturday!
And on that note... from the most sincere place in all of my heart: THANK YOU! Thank you for your support and your trust in my services. Thank you for sharing my name and recommending me to others. And thank you for reading this entire, rambling post if you did (and don't worry, I won't hold it against you if you didn't)!
Have a wonderful day, friends! xoxo
