06/01/2026
I always find myself reflecting on life around my birthday. Maybe it's the reminder that another year has passed, or maybe it's the realization that time never slows down no matter how much we wish it would. Either way, this year has given me a lot to think about...
As a small business owner, it's always about adaptation.
Adapting to your community.
Adapting to the economy.
Adapting to trends that seem to change every five minutes.
But this past year wasn't about adapting for me.
It was about finding myself again.
It was about learning that boundaries aren't a weakness. Making more time for my children. Protecting my peace. And finally reaching a place where I no longer worried about what everyone else thought of me.
Over 10 years ago, I bought a used camera with nothing but a dream and a whole lot of determination.
Ten years later, that dream became something I never could have imagined.
Ten years of weddings, maternity sessions, birthdays, seniors, families, and countless milestones. Ten years of watching children grow up in front of my lens. Ten years of friendships, memories, and stories I'll carry forever.
But there were lessons too.
Ten years of watching clients move on and wondering why.
Ten years of hearing criticism from people who never truly knew me.
Ten years of learning who belongs in your corner and who doesn't.
And through it all, I grew a backbone.
Today, I can proudly say that I am not one of those business owners who tears others down to build themselves up.
I cheer for other photographers.
I love seeing someone pick up a camera and get excited about capturing an incredible image. I love watching new businesses succeed. I love that stepping away from sports photography created opportunities for other local photographers to do something I once loved so much.
There is room for all of us.
Most importantly, I'm happy.
Happy that I slowed down.
Happy that I chose my family.
Happy that I stopped chasing every opportunity and started chasing what truly matters.
To those of you who have supported me throughout the years, thank you. Your loyalty, encouragement, and friendship have meant more than you'll ever know.
And to those who weren't always kind, thank you too. You taught me valuable lessons, helped me strengthen my boundaries, and showed me exactly who deserved a place in my life.
Ten years later, I am grateful for every lesson, every client, every friendship, every challenge, and every memory.
I'm learning to fall in love with photography all over againβone session at a time. So I'm going to keep doing what I love, just at a pace that allows me to enjoy every single moment of it.
And for the first time in a very long time, that feels exactly right.
Here's to the next chapter of life & business β whatever it may bring.
