Wow--where did the summer go? I feel like I just shot my last session in June, and suddenly I have a Kindergartner, a Preschooler, and a 7 week old (possibly 8 weeks by the time I get this accomplished!) Time just flies. I had all these plans while on leave to get caught up on my own pictures, and while I did get a few done, there just aren't enough hours in the day, especially when I'd rather be cuddling my kiddos. It certainly made me take a step back and think about how I want this approaching busy season to go, and I was able to give myself a heads up and make some changes now, rather than ending up feeling like a crazy person (which I'm getting really good at…haha).

As you may already know, I have three littles now plus a day job that I enjoy. Photography is an added bonus that I was blessed with and love sharing with others. However, it is also a beast that feeds on time, energy, money, brain cells, and that very delicate balance between work and family. With technology always growing and changing, more affordable access to DSLR cameras, and daily swap site posts of "ISO cheap photographer", justifying all that one pours into this business is getting increasingly more difficult. Consumers are always looking for a deal, understandably so. However, when it comes to the moments that don't come around again, it pains me to see people bargaining away their memories. Don't get me wrong, I did the JC Penney thing, for my first daughter's whole first year. It worked for me at that time, or so I thought. Looking back, I probably spent more there than I would have at a quality photographer. And yes, the pictures are still in the envelope in a drawer. (That's a post for another day)

What's my point? I'll get there. I wanted to get all that out there first, as it has bothered me for some time. There are AMAZING photographers all around this area, and I refer people to many of them on a regular basis, even hire them for my own family sessions! Do they charge a little more? Yes. And rightfully so. I get it because I am surrounded by the circumstances of this business more intimately than most. My PSA for the day is respect your memories by investing in a quality photographer. Don't let the price you see influence your decision (to a point, of course; I haven't found the money tree yet either), but rather spend some time looking at various photographer's websites and the quality of their work, look at what their packages offer, take into account the fact that yes, you pay a fee up front, but that most likely includes session and editing time, which when broken down into hours, really might not be that much pay per hour. 

All that being said, I am incredibly grateful for my clients. For the most part, we are all just working moms and dads trying to balance everything that comes our way. We try new methods, we see what works, and we change what doesn't. As I said before, taking this break from photography gave me a teeny bit of thinking time (it's amazing what comes to you during those 2am feedings), and I am getting closer to a more clear view of how I want to run my business, and avoid my business running me. There will be pricing changes in the future, but I pinky promise to try my darndest to make them fair to you as well as myself and my family. 

Let's lighten up this post and get to the fun stuff--scheduling sessions! As I maneuver through the world of parenting three kiddos, I will be scheduling a little differently this fall and upcoming year. Sessions are available Mondays, Fridays, and limited Saturdays. September is currently full (thanks for making me feel missed everyone!), and as of right now, October is dangerously close. Last year, I was shooting outdoors until mid-November, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that we get that lucky again, as I prefer shooting outdoors, especially families. November 8th is the tentative date for the Christmas Mini Sessions--I will be getting those details together in early October, so watch for a post about those, they filled up in a matter of days last year!!

Due to the increase in session inquiries and my inability to say no, I came up with a fun idea and wanted to get going on it ASAP. I will be offering a new set of mini sessions, called "Couch to Canvas". I have FIVE slots open, 30 minutes each. These will take place most likely on Saturday, October 11, late afternoon/early evening. These minis will take place at an outdoor location (weather permitting), on a couch (surprise!), with whoever you wish to be in the photos. It can be your family (up to 8 people), your baby (at least 8 months or able to sit), all your kiddos, just you and your main squeeze, etc.! The fee of $100 includes the session, 5 edited digital images, plus a $20 voucher towards a canvas wrap in any size. In order to go forward with these minis, they will need to be booked by Friday, September 12th.  I think it will be a blast, please contact me with any questions!

If you've made it to the end of this post without falling asleep (hopefully!) I just want to again say a huge thank you to all my wonderful, patient, and understanding clients--I seriously appreciate you more than you will ever know, and it has been an honor working with you all. I have been lucky enough to be a teeny little part of your lives and that means the world to me! See you all soon!