Well friends, I have some big news that I can finally share with the world! I am officially down to part time at work, giving me more time to spend with my family and build the studio. It’s surreal that we’re already to this point, honestly. But it just felt like the right time, and God has made it clear in the days since that decision was made that it was 100% the right choice.

Can I tell you a secret? This time two years ago, I’d never even touched a DSLR before. I used to be embarrassed by how new to the industry I truly am, but you know what I’ve realized? It doesn’t matter. My people don’t care how long I’ve been shooting or whether or not I went to art school (I didn’t). All that matters is how you make people feel, and that seems to be resonating in a big way.

There have been hard days on this journey. I’ve been rejected more times than I can count. I’ve been told to my face that I’m not worth what I charge. I’ve come home from sessions feeling defeated and unappreciated. I’ve missed birthdays and date nights and gained weight and lost sleep.

But.

I’ve also helped new mothers through the hardest phase of their lives. I’ve seen tears in their eyes as they hold the images I’ve created, a tangible reminder of how beautiful motherhood looks on them. I’ve sat calmly with brides moments before they walk down the aisle. I’ve high-fived kids and won dads over and created heirlooms that will outlive me. I’ve shown my daughters that with hard work, they can be anything they want to be and that it’s never too late to start. I’ve experienced joy and a sense of accomplishment unlike anything I’ve ever known.

None of this would be possible without the quiet, steadfast support of my husband, Adam, our family and friends, and my incredible clients who trust me with the important task of documenting their lives. Thank you for being on this ride with me, and I can’t wait to see where we go from here.

I’m just getting started.