11/09/2026
7 YEARS IN BUSINESS. 7 LESSONS LEARNED. 🎞️🤍
In October, I celebrated seven years of Amelia Jo Photo. Seven years. SEVEN!
It’s a little surreal to think about how much life has happened since starting Amelia Jo Photo. What began as a love for photography has become a career, incredible relationships, and something I’m so proud to have built. 🥹
And some of the biggest lessons have had very little to do with a camera.
01. You can love what you do and still need boundaries.
When your passion becomes your career, it’s easy to feel like you should always be working. I’ve learned that being a good business owner doesn’t mean being available 24/7. My family deserves the best of me, too.
02. Comparison really is the thief of joy.
It’s easy to question whether you’re doing enough or creating work that’s good enough. But someone else’s success doesn’t diminish my own. There’s room for all of us to succeed, and I’ve learned to trust my own path.
03. The relationships will always mean more than the photographs.
Couples becoming parents. Babies becoming big kids. Families inviting me back year after year. The trust and friendships I’ve built with clients are easily one of the greatest gifts of this career.
04. Some of the best friendships come from unexpected places.
What started as working alongside other wedding vendors has turned into some pretty incredible friendships. People who celebrate your wins, understand the industry, and show up outside of work. Taylor, I’m looking at you. 🤍
05. Being busy and being successful aren’t the same thing.
A full calendar used to feel like the ultimate measure of success. I’ve learned that growth isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes it’s about being intentional with your time and building a business that supports the life you want to live.
06. You’re never too experienced to learn something new.
Seven years in, and I’m still finding new ways to fall in love with photography. This year, it’s been learning film on my dad’s old camera from the 1980s. There’s something so special about slowing down and challenging yourself creatively.
07. You're allowed to evolve.
The photographer I was seven years ago isn't the photographer I am today. Neither is the person. My goals, priorities, and definition of success have changed, and I'm grateful for every bit of growth along the way.
I'm still learning, growing, and figuring things out. But more than anything, I'm grateful.
For every person who's trusted me with their memories, every friendship, and every opportunity that's brought me here.
I'm proud of where I started, proud of where I am, and really freaking excited about where I'm going.
Here's to year eight. 🤍