As I start my 8th year in the photography business I have to reflect on how fortunate I am to still be in this business.  In today's world, the job of a "photographer" is very challenging.  It's a struggle to survive in this business for many reasons and everyday it seems like the easy way to go is to quit and not struggle anymore.  Then I have a session or talk to a client and I realize how much I love what I do and it revives my desire to keep fighting to make it another year.

One of the best things about being a photographer is building relationships with people and being part of something special....a wedding...a new baby....a special event.  Sharing these events with families is not just special, it's an honor, I am being allowed to capture something very personal in their lives.  I don't look at a perspective bride and groom and think of them as a one time client.  I spend a lot of time getting to know my couples, their friends and their families.  I don't want to be just their "wedding photographer", I want to be their "Go-To" photographer as they begin their lives together and start their families!  

I currently have 4 wedding couples that I am now photographing their first child!  That is awesome to me!  I have clients that I photographed their maternity pictures and now their children every year...watching them grow up is so cool.  One client, I started taking pictures of their little ones when their son wasn't even walking and their little girl was 3 or 4, they are now 6 & 9!  A few times every year I get to see them and now they have a baby sister that I get to see every 3 months and I'm getting ready to do her 1-year session!  

My First YearMy 2013 My First Year babies!!

Jamie, Nate & Aubree! One of my 2010 wedding couples that have honored me with capturing their first childs first year. Mary, Devin & WilliamAnother Wedding couple that have a new baby!

How cool is it to have a job where you are part of something so special!?  Let me tell you, it's very cool and it's the reason I continue to stay in this business.  I have met many new families in 2013, I have 11 babies in my My First Year Program and my first set of twins!  I'm so glad to have them here and I hope that someday I'm adding them to my list of clients that I have watched grow up in front of my lens!

So as 2014 begins and I reevaluate where my business is and where I am as photographer, I don't know what the coming year will bring, but I do know that I value every one of my clients and I appreciate every one that has helped make my business successful.  My wonderful husband, John and my beautiful kids JT & Lauren for putting up with all the time I spend on the computer and in the studio.  I love them more than words can say!  And my wonderful clients, as long I have those that value what I do for them, I will continue to do this thing I love called photography, but I like to refer to it as creating another chapter for all these families that allow me to be part of their story!

Happy New Year!!