Hello all! Long time no write I know. I didn't even know anyone even stopped by this thing until I ran into someone at the coffee shop and she asked me why I haven't been blogging.

I laughed off - which if you are reading this - I am sorry.

In truth, the last few weeks have been such a turbulent up and down that when I do get to here, I start writing a post and then I think that isn't business related and bah humbug and then I worry I say too much and then I worry I say too little.

So here is a catch up to what this photographer has been up to:

I have been taking photos of little munchkins.

It was shortly after this photo session I hit a low. Perhaps other photographers go through it. But I hated my work. I couldn't find a grove. I went about four weeks without picking up my camera. I was ready to Quit. I just looked at all the amazing work around me and thought I will never be that creative, that good, that wonderful. But then an amazing photographer Kate Edigar, was kind enough to listen to me whine, give me some encouragement and advice. That single kindness of a couple of facebook messages was enough to just make me pause. And isn't that what we all need from time to time, is to pause. To listen to that voice inside of us.

About the same time Creative Live had a workshop that rejuvenated my creative spirit. So it was a blessing. I am so thankful for photographers like Kate that are willing to help out a relative newbie to the photography scene. That offers advice and listening. And I'm thankful for companies like Creativelive that offer affordable education.

Creativelive has great workshops. The most wonderful part is while they are live they are free. You just sit there and soak up the knowledge. They had child photography Tamara Lackey give a weekend workshop on child photography. I had a moment. A moment where I realize I have been approaching child photography perhaps not in the best light. I was getting so caught up in getting that a bunch of great images. Happy parents, kids happy. I just wanted the picture perfect postcard. The thing is - that is not real. What is real? Kids. Kids are who they are, shy, social, happy, sad, scared, whatever. It's up to me to capture those moments. So I ditched all my methods - threw them out. I rebooted so to say when it came to child photography. My cousin Jess was kind enough to let me practice this new technique on her two little munchkins:



I have to say it just changed everything on how I approach kids and photography. As a result of this I have been so much more happy with the images I've captured and the stories I can tell with that. I have most certainly not mastered this skill but I am thrilled things have been improving.

There was a bit of the Christmas rush where I was fitting people in for last minute family photos,


and last minute Christmas Card designs and orders:


And yes that is a scalloped card. One of my prolabs now offer these amazing diecut cards in six different shapes and edgings.

I caught up just in time for the Holiday wedding:



which was a lovely and beautiful event!

Around this time was where I had another little moment about wedding photography. I'm starting to feel a bit more comfortable. Not lacky daisyical about it. But not frightened to book weddings. I love shooting them. I started trusting myself more. That was actually a whole post - but then it became do I say that? But it is what it is. I don't think I will ever become relaxed about them. But it's nice to have that self confidence of I can get the shots. What's even better is knowing I will get some killer shots in there too.

Then it was holiday season. It was a jam packed three days, with eating, present opening, visiting, and goofing off:


Which ended with a rousing bout of hockey watching. I have come to the conclusion that one must at least have a somewhat passing interest in hockey to survive in my family. I admit I enjoy the game, but I'm not a die hard fan. I enjoy watching with friends and family though. So it was great to be near so many that I care for and all be cheering together!

Then all went home, and here I am again. This year in all has been such a weird, wonderful, scary and interesting ride. I think though it's the beginning of new things. That things are going to take a turn for the better. I have an ocean destination wedding booked for in just four weeks (yes I'm insanely excited and nervous!) and also booked the same amount of weddings I had last year in just one week - so I'm hoping that is a good sign of the year of the come!

I do know this, I know I am not a perfect photographer. And I struggle with that (again that was a whole blog post) because if this is my business full time I want more than anything to be perfect. But I'm not. I am not perfect. What I am though, is always learning. The nicest compliment I got this week was after a client reviewed my work on weddings and realized I had only ever shot three 'church' weddings, she said she never would have guessed that. And booked me for her wedding. That makes me happy because it means I am growing and learning. That is what I am always striving for, I practice, I learn, I try, I take chances and learn some more. I can guarantee this, if you choose me as your photographer you will get my all.

On that note.... I am going to sign off for the night. I'm working on a new website and blog. But alas being a poor not really knowing web design person it's going slowly. It's a project I should just hire someone, this I know! lol However there are considerations and what I want designed, I can't afford to hire someone, so what is left I figure I can muddle my way through ;) Well perhaps we shall see on that!