06/01/2026
✨ Worth the Wait: A Note From The Rustic Lens ✨
A little reminder from your photographer 🤍
I talk about gallery wait times a lot. I post about them regularly, they're discussed before booking, and I do my best to be completely transparent because I never want anyone to feel surprised.
I know you're excited for your photos. Honestly, I'd be excited too. 🫶
But please know that if you're booking with me, my current turnaround time is a minimum of 3 months, and often longer during busy season for weddings and larger galleries.
That doesn't mean your gallery isn't important to me. It doesn't mean I've forgotten about you. It simply means I'm balancing a very full life while still giving every gallery the attention it deserves.
I currently have 52 sessions scheduled for June alone, plus 2 weddings. Outside of photography, I'm also navigating a separation, working another job 20+ hours a week, and raising four amazing kids. Since the separation, I only get certain days with my youngest two, and when I have them, they come first.
I know some people have told me I should simply book less, but the truth is, that one stings a little.
I book as much as I do because I genuinely love people. I love documenting your stories, celebrating your milestones, and preserving memories you can't get back. I know I probably take on too much sometimes, but that's because I care deeply about what I do and the people I do it for.
My off days aren't always editing days. Sometimes they're spent with my children. Sometimes they're spent working my second job. Sometimes they're spent catching up on life, healing, resting, or simply being present in the season I'm currently in.
I truly believe my work is worth the wait, but I also understand that everyone has different needs. If a faster turnaround time is important to you, there are absolutely no hard feelings. I know some amazing photographers with lighter workloads, and I'd be happy to point you in their direction.
I'd much rather help you find the right fit than have you book with me and feel frustrated by a timeline that was communicated from the start.
I also get asked a lot about bringing on more photographers. The answer is yes — eventually.
Michellci has been slowly building her portfolio and gaining experience behind the camera, and I couldn't be more proud of how far she's come.
Makenna is also still working behind the scenes while continuing to build her own photography business. She has been an incredible part of this journey, and I love watching her grow as both a photographer and business owner.
My long-term dream has always been to build a team of photographers who share the same heart, values, and client experience that The Rustic Lens is known for. But training photographers properly takes a lot of time, energy, and attention, and right now my focus is on serving my current clients well, raising my children, healing, and finding balance.
So if becoming part of The Rustic Lens team someday sounds like something you'd be interested in, feel free to send me a message. I'd love to connect. Just know that it likely won't be happening immediately.
Thank you for supporting my little business, giving me grace, and trusting me with your memories.
Your patience never goes unnoticed, and I appreciate every single one of you more than you'll ever know.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here. 🤍
P.S. If gallery turnaround time is a major factor in your decision when choosing a photographer, please ask before booking or ask about expedited gallery options. I promise I am transparent about my wait times, and I discuss them often, but I still find myself having conversations about them after sessions are booked. I'd rather be upfront and honest from the start so everyone has the best experience possible.
And lastly, thank you for choosing me. Out of all the photographers you could hire, support, and trust with your memories, you chose The Rustic Lens. That is something I never take for granted, and it's why I continue showing up, even during some of the hardest seasons of my life. 🤍
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