I knew for a couple of weeks that I’d want to go through the images I took this year and pull out my Top Ten. Secret number 1, I have days where I’m not even sure I can find ten images from the last nine months that I love, that I’m proud of. An e-mail to a friend of mine who is an aspiring photographer inspired me to share a few things that made my year such a success.
First and foremost, the Lord; secret number 2! I typically save this chatter for my personal blog but really, truly, I am nothing without him! He is the author of my gifts and talents. He is the one who has bestowed upon me the gift of my husband who is secret number 3. I am who I am today because Todd inspires me to want to be the best possible me. The best in everything I do and everything I am. The Lord changes me and makes that possible. It is his love that molds my heart into change.
Secret number 4, a vision board. I have a large cork board hanging prominently in my bedroom. It contains the top scriptures that got me through life this year. I am shy, I used to be so incredibly nervous before a session, it was all I could do to just continue to repeat Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I knew in January what I saw in the mirror and I new who it was I wanted to become. So the first thing I put on my vision board was a list of scripture that reminded me of who I am in Christ and some of the promises from the bible we obtain if we diligently seek him.
The next thing I added to my vision board was a list of goals. The first on that list was to be more diligent in my walk with Christ. And, although I am not yet as diligent as I would like to be, I have come a long, long way. One of my favorite things to say these days is this “I’m not yet where I want to be, but thank God, I’m not where I used to be.” I added an entire list of short term and long term goals I wanted to achieve for the year. Most of my goals pertained to books I wanted to read and changes in my character I’d like to see. One thing I learned this year is how vitally important my daily time with God truly is. I’m a better person on the days I put him first. On the days I don’t, I’m not so nice. If I happen to go a few days, it gets down right ugly around here. My devotional time is typically after I get all the kids out the door to school. The first thing I’m going to do this year is make my devotional time the one thing I absolutely have to do for me every day. It means getting up earlier, much earlier, but it is my gift to myself this year because it is the one way I know for certain I can obtain more joy and be a better wife to my husband and a better mom to my kids.
So in review, God first, a supportive husband second, clearly defined goals third, balance among my goals and my family fourth; that was a big obstacle this year too. Not everyone is my client. I had to learn to say no to some people and deny some requests. I had to clearly define the hours for work and not allow that time to overlap into my family time. I believe my personal goals attributed to my overall success this year. By putting God first and keeping my priorities in line, I beleived this allowed God to bless me. I don’t count myself a professional photographer. I’m an self-taught amateur, building my portfolio. I will say though I have been blessed with a steady flow of people and families who have decided to give me a shot, or should I say, let me shoot them, with my camera. It has been an incredible year this year. I have been stretched and pulled in so many ways. I took myself out of the box I kept myself in, out of the box I let others keep me in and I like the road I’m on.
I guess the only other secret I can share is what’s in my bag.
Nikon D200, Nikon D40x is my back-up for now until I can afford to upgrade it. My favorite lens is a 50mm 1.8 prime that is truly the best $100 I have spent since I began this journey. I own the 18-55mm 3.5-5.6, and 55-200mm 4-5.6. I have an SB-800 that I’ve been borrowing from a friend so it’s time to pick up my own along with a 28mm 1.8 which should be another big bang for my buck, great, fast, storytelling lens. I’m hoping to be able to get great use out of it in low light situations for weddings and family portraits. Oh! Web site will also be debuted in the coming month or so. Man, that is hard work!
So now that my post is too long to actually include my top 10, I guess you’ll just have to come back and check! Happy New Year! Whatever you find yourself at midnight tonight, may you be surrounded with loved ones, filled with peace in your heart, and not too much booze in your belly! Whether you stay in near a fire, or travel to a party, stay safe and sound! May your new year be filled with peace, joy, prosperity, focus, accomplishments, success, and happiness!
Thank you to all my friends, family, and clients who supported my dreams this year and for each of you who took a chance on me! I am looking forward to our sessions to come, watching your children grown, and hope to continue to provide for you art for your home and heirlooms for your family and generations to come! Without each of you, I wouldn’t be where I am today! Thank you!
