06/14/2026
Jayda Marie is the one who got me into photography.
And that sounds so silly, but what I mean is that she turned taking pictures from something I just enjoyed doing into being something that made my soul catch fire when I saw the right moment in the lens.
She went along with every bout of inspiration, idea, and plan, but also told me to give myself grace and time, to not lose the fire. She reminded me that without that fire, the art lacked soul, and to take a break when I needed it. This applied to everything.
It reminded me not to revel purely in financial or attentive gain.
I've taken a step back. For months now.
Even the shoots I’ve done, I’ve neglected to post.
After I started building up really well, I brought myself back down into the shadows. And it’s almost like failing myself??? But I know Jayda would laugh at the mere thought of me suggesting failure.
I love capturing the moment - the one that's it. And I don't like AI or heavy editing. And as much as I love money, I love the joy of my friends and family more - them getting to have walls of beautiful photos at affordable rates and working with people when they need it. It's always been something I take pride in.
And unfortunately, all these things make for a horrible business model.
Because I also hate cancellations, rushing for galleries, rescheduling, missed messages, the saturated market, late replies and show ups, editing during family time but having no time otherwise, advertising. God, I hate advertising. And if we're being really honest, I just hate being involved in a business in a small town. I hate comparing myself and doubting myself when I send a gallery.
And between trying to combat these feelings, I'm also a wife and a mom, tending to my house and homeschooling and writing a book, and I'm very tired.
So, I don't know where that leaves C. Joy Photography. If you have a shoot booked or a gift card to use, obviously I can and will fulfill them.
I do know that today, my best friend since birth and I made fifty wrong turns, laughed, cried, yapped, sipped coffee, and took some magical photos in a place we'd never been.
And the whole time my heart was on fire because Jayda's really great at that.
You should see her as a mom.
It amazes me every day.
She’s even greater at that.
wherever we end up, it's going to be great.
Enjoy these photos of these two angels.
I'm lucky to know them and love them.
Thank God for days and moments like this. x
