Being a Mom & Being a Photographer.
When I began this business, it was small. Really small actually, with only a few bookings the first year. Slowly my marketing strategy has changed and it has grown, and since 2014, I have quadrupled clients and income. This year has been the biggest so far. And it's projecting to ramp up in the fall just as expected. 2014 is also the year I became a mom. The year someone became infinitely more important than everything else.
I find myself coming home from my day job -- 8 hours of Quality Assurance at a local factory -- and working 1 to 2 hours at least on my photography business every day. Normally, I will limit my time to after her bedtime, but sometimes it's unavoidable that time has to be taken away from her to give to this business. Like evening shoots before her bedtime or packaging sessions that need to go out the mail the next day.
Entrepreneurs often talk about a work life balance, and right now, I think I am doing okay. But I worry about when things get busier and more hectic. What will my days and evenings, and her days and evenings, look like?
There are sacrifices everywhere all the time, but time and moments missed with her are the things I won't sacrifice right now.
Bailey | Sante Fe Trail | Class of 2017
Bailey is a tomboy. She's a softball player, and she's quite a hoot. We had a great time during her shoot in NoTo and then at the Gage Park Rose Garden. Given that there was a Pokémon Go event happening the same evening, she did really well and seemed very comfortable with a lot of people around.
Another thing I loved about this shoot was that she pushed me out of my comfort zone too. We tried props I've never used and lighting I've never tried.
The Lyons Family | Family Time | Topeka, Kansas
When Amber and I arranged this shoot months ago, we didn't predict that the weather would be smoldering hot at 100* during the evening. But it was and we made the most of it!
Their family all came in for a family reunion and wanted photos taken while everyone was together. I come from a large family also, so I know that gathering everyone in the same place is sometimes a feat of its own!
It was a good time, and we had laughs and even a surprise of baby news!
Polly & Little G | Family Life | Topeka, Kansas
Polly is one of my oldest friends. She basically saw me grow up along with our neighbors, and we have watched each other become mommas to hard-headed spunky little blondes. She is one of my favorites.
Her daughter, Genevieve, is a special little girl with the biggest, most open heart of a 4-year-old I have ever seen. And I love her for that.
Kelsey, Cody & Trinity | Family Life | Ottawa, KS
Remember Michael? The senior I had a few posts back? Well, this is Kelsey, his sister, her fiancé Cody, and their adorable little lady, Trinity.
We live about an hour from each other, so we met in the middle, Ottawa, Kansas one week night. The leaves were just turning, and that pretty fall sunlight was filtering through the trees.
Trinity was a trooper for her first photo shoot! No crying or fussing, only SMILES! She's a natural!