10/21/2026
SILVER WINNER && one of the BEST OF COUNCIL BLUFFS 2026! 📸🌙
13 years. THIRTEEN YEARS of pouring my heart, soul, creativity, and probably a questionable amount of my sanity into Shutter Moon Photography.
And today, I’m reminded that all of that hard work still means something. 🥹
I want to be really transparent about something && You know me; I’m about to over share. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
The last year and a half has been HARD. Between physical struggles and things happening in my personal life, there were times I wasn’t showing up for my business or my clients the way I wanted to. And that’s something I’ve had to take accountability for. At first with shame now with grace.
But here’s the thing…I’ve never questioned whether I was a good photographer. I’ve always known I was. Sure I get imposter syndrome, but this is what I am meant to be doing.
A good secretary, though? ABSOLUTELY NOT. In people person I’m a rockstar .. emails and phone calls. I can’t. I should say I couldn’t lol..😂
Turns out being able to capture beautiful memories and being able to keep up with emails, messages, scheduling, editing, and approximately 47 other behind-the-scenes responsibilities are two VERY different skill sets. Add physical injuries && self care in there and the balance scale tipped.
And for a long time, I was trying to do it all. Until I simply couldn’t. Life got pretty scary.
That’s where my girl Vanessa Dingman McCoy comes in. ❤️
I cannot thank her enough for believing in me, seeing the potential in something I’ve spent 13 years building, and being willing to jump headfirst into the absolute madness that is my business administration. If you only knew…. I know it seems like I just take pictures and make my own schedule blah blah … NOT EVEN CLOSE! I literally said with tears in my eyes please don’t judge me. She never once has. 😂
She’s helping me get organized, get caught up, communicate better, and put systems in place so I can focus on what I’ve always loved most.. simply being behind the camera && making people feels good. Enjoying the moment and memorable experience too. Because let’s be real photo sessions are stressful.. Sprinkle some bad weather and busy schedules in there.. that’s where I start to sink! My goal has ALWAYS been to calm the chaos && create or capture the magic! Often wowing us both lol!!
For the first time in a long time, I feel like I can breathe again. 😮💨
>> && To my clients who have stuck by me, shown me patience, offered grace, and continued to believe in my work even when I was struggling behind the scenes… THANK YOU. Seriously so much. With tears in my eyes I am SO thankful and proud that I’ve made an impression && earned the votes!
And to those I may have let down along the way, I see that too. I can’t change the past, but I can absolutely do better moving forward. 🫶🏼
I’ve always been capable of being a great photographer. Now I’m finally building the support and structure to run a great photography business, too. Ya know, better late than never. Like someone always says 😂😂
This little silver award means more than just second place to me.
It means that even through one of the hardest chapters of my life, something I worked so hard to build is still standing.
And so am I.
Here’s to growth, accountability, asking for help, and the comeback of all comebacks. 🥹🌙📸
Shutter Moon Photography isn’t going anywhere. We’re just getting started again. ❤️
