10/18/2026
A PERSONAL ANNOUNCEMENT
(Long post)
This is something that I honestly do not want to do, but sometimes, we have to make decisions that are best for ourselves even when they break our hearts a little.
Starting January 2027, I will be stepping away from photography to focus on my mental health, my son, and finding a healthier balance in my life.
Photography has been so much more than just taking pictures to me. It has been a dream, a passion, and a way to capture memories that families can hold on to for a lifetime. Ive poured so much time, love, creativity, and effort into Southern Roots Photography hoping to build something meaningful for myself.
But the truth is, chasing a dream can become exhausting when you feel like you're running on empty with little to no support.
Living in a small town has its challenges, especially when you're trying to build a small business from the ground up. Ive tried to put myself out there, grow my clientele, create opportunities, and keep pushing forward. But sometimes, the support isn't there enough to sustain what you're working so hard to build. And as much as it hurts to admit, its hard to keep pouring your heart, time, money, and energy into a dream when you feel like you're the only one trying to keep it alive.
Ive never expected for anything to happen overnight, and I unerstand building a business takes time, (I've done this for 10 years, more of a hobby).But there's a difference between being patient with a dream and slowly losing interest while trying to make the dream work. I have to be honest with myself about where I am, what I need, and what I can continue to give.
This isn't me saying that everyone has failed to support me, because I've had people who have encouraged me, booked with me, shared my work, and trusted me with their special moments. To those people, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea how much your support has meant to me. Every session, every opportunity, has mattered.
But right now, I have to accept that I cannot keep trying to build something that isn't growing the way I hoped it would by now. The backlash I've received recently, and the "you're not getting anywhere" or "this isn't paying your bills" comments.. have took a toll on me.
Along with stepping away from photography in 2027, I also plan to be deleting my social media accounts, including my business pages. Once those are deleted there will be no way to contact me through Southern Roots Photography or my personal social media. The only way to contact me will be if you know me personally and already have my personal contact information.
The decision is about more than photography. It's about my mental health. It's about recognizing that I am not fully in love with the dream I once had anymore. I need to slow down, step away from the noise, and learn how to take care of myself again.
Most importantly I need this break for my son. He deserves a mom who is present, who can enjoy the little moments, who isn't constantly overwhelmed, and who is making her mental and emotional wellbeing a priority. I want to focus on him, on myself, and on building a healthier routine for our lives.
Please understand that this isn't fully from the lack of support, or that I have 100% lost my love for photography. It isn't easy to walk away from something you've put so much of yourself into. I don't want to give up, I don't want to feel like im closing a chapter before I was ready. But sometimes loving something isn't enough to make it sustainable.
Hopefully one day life will look differently, maybe photography will find its way back into my life when the time is right. But for now, I need the break. I need to reset, heal, and focus on who truly matters the most, my boy, and myself.
Sometimes, the hardest part about chasing a dream isn't starting it, its knowing when you need to stop chasing it at the expense of your own peace.
Thank you for understanding me, and allowing me to put myself, and my son first. This chapter of Southern Roots photography may be coming to an end soon, but the memories I've captured and the love I've poured into this dream will always be a part of me. Hopefully something pulls me back.
To those of you that are waiting for your images back, no worries, they're in progress and will be back to you in a few days.
To those of you who have sessions booked with me in 2026, we are still going to get those done for you, I hope the post didn't cause much confusion.
