04/24/2020
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!:
Rachael Phillips Photography is shutting its doors.
I am on to a new adventure.
Growing up, my mom had one of those School Days books, with spaces to write down all of our information each year. There were spaces for our height and weight, who our friends were, our teacher, and a little pocket for all of our awards and report cards.
A favorite space, for a lot of people- "What do you want to be when you grow up?" For most, it's fun to look back and see a different career dream written down each year. I guess you can never accuse me of being inconsistent. Every year from Kindergarten through Twelfth grade I wrote the same thing on the little line asking what I wanted to be when I grew up: a writer.
A few years, just to break up the monotony, I had written down, “author and illustrator.” (This was before I knew it required more skill beyond stick figures to illustrate a book....and that the books I would be writing wouldn't require pictures).
For the last five years you guys have allowed me to capture your families year after year. You have invited me into your birth space. You’ve allowed me to snuggle your brand-new babies. I’ve been let in on all your secrets. I was the first to find out about pregnancies, as mamas excitedly told me as soon as they found out, eager to plan those maternity and newborn sessions. Sometimes I was also the first or only ones to know you’ve had a miscarriage.
You let me in, and I fell in love with all of your families and stories and you became my friends.
I’ve watched your babies grow and your families expand. You opened up your lives for me, trusting me to capture each moment. That privilege is not lost on me and I’ve met some of the very best people through this fun talent of mine, that’s I was fortunate to call my “job” the last five years. (Aren’t jobs supposed to be horrible?)
Like the rest of you guys, I’ve found my world uprooted as hurricane coronavirus swept through this year. With my little world knocked on it’s head, I decided to take a leap of faith- shake things up. It’s time for a change. A change I’m really excited about.
I’ve wanted to write a book for as long as I can remember. I’ve been scared to speak that truth, for fear of failing. But I’m saying it here, among my friends and cheerleaders, clients and fans: I’m closing down to write a book. Wish me luck! And I hope you all keep in touch, as we follow each other onto the next journey.