2018 Year In Review
2018 Year in Review
It's another great year for the books, and a lot to process these last few weeks. I am always thankful for January and February, for the opportunity to rest, reset, and figure out what I want for my business in the coming new year. I’m usually too busy to sit still and think long enough to know how to take action, but that quiet time is what this season is for. That's another reason why you hear from me a little less. But part of goal setting is reflecting, and that's what this post is for, even with the silly pictures. I want to look at the good, celebrate the victories, and learn from my failures.
Weddings
I started the year on a Disney Cruise and shot my first tropical destination wedding. That was followed by a gorgeous February wedding and in shocking 80 degrees weather. Then the end of April hit and it was full-force until mid-June with many of those weddings 2 to 3 hours away from home. There was one very sweet elopement wedding at the Williamsburg Winery, and two weddings booked within two months of the wedding date! I survived September- December with a nice break from weddings in November, but no less busy!
Outside My Comfort Zone
I got the opportunity to stretch my creativity and explore some different areas of photography this year. I shot a number of branding sessions, which ended up being so fun for me and a nice break from the usual. I got to do some graduation photoshoots, and one Fresh 48 session.
2018 Intern
This year my intern was Cameron and it was a joy spending time with her! She is working on updating her branding and website and hopes to launch this year! She has worked her butt off with me and I have seen tremendous growth in her. Weddings are a very hard thing to master; they require hands-on trial and error, and second shooting is the best way to learn. She is absolutely ready to take it on, her skills have been refined, and I look forward to seeing her grow!
Personal and Business Growth
This year I decided to seek out a mentor. I know that most successful business owners look to those who have gone before them, and I hope that I am always aware that I need others’ help and I am never too prideful to ask for it. I have spent a few months with Sarah Bradshaw Photography's mentoring program and it has changed my business in ways I couldn't do on my own. Those changes will be revealed throughout this new year!
Failures and Victories
As I am currently writing my goals for this year, I have to reflect on the things I know I am getting wrong.
- I didn't paint as much as I hope for and didn't work on my Etsy shop at all.
- I did not keep a consistent schedule and that has caused me to forget about some of my other goals.
- I didn't learn film like I had hoped I would have down by now.
There are a few things I did accomplish that I am very proud of this year...
- We started the adoption process. I know that's not work related, but it was a huge victory.
- I have a consistent nanny and for the first time ever and now I have two full, uninterrupted work days a week! This is a major shift from the small chunks of time I had to work, balancing that with my kids and life at the same time.
As I reflect on this past year, I think my biggest victory was working with some amazing couples. I can't express how much I love listening to speeches, and pastors preaching ceremonies and hearing more about a couple's testimony to their love. I get to watch bridesmaids joke, laugh, drink and have the best time with the bride while getting ready, and I get to capture a couple's first moments of being husband and wife. That might sound cheesy, but it is an absolute honor, and the biggest victory in this whole little business.
To see a sneak peek at what my 2018 Intern's working on you can find her on instagram at @cameronthompsonphotos
Her contact info if you are interested in booking her for your wedding: cameronthompsonphotos@gmail.com
Some great weddings of 2019 to remember!
