Goodbye to 2017, Hello to the Future

This has been an incredible year. As I'm writing this blog post, I'm thinking back to a little over a year ago when I bought my camera. At that moment, I still didn't think I would become a photographer. Yet in this crazy year, I found a passion I didn't expect.

In 2017, I took risks and dove head-first in doing crazy things to find something. I made the decision to start a photography business, take my health seriously, move across the country and live two months in Wisconsin, embrace my insecurities, move forward, and - most importantly - live. This year, things started making sense to me as to where my future would lead: wherever creativity and happiness brings me. I know that seems more vague than anything (ironic for a realization of clarity)! But I've come to accept whatever my future will bring. I'll be okay with it as long as I'm doing what I love!

That is my hope for you. As we say goodbye to another year, push forward in 2018 embracing the things that bring you happiness! Before you dive in head first, make sure you have a plan. That's right! Make those New Year's Resolutions that no one ever achieves! Why? Because it's something! Every day is a new start and a new chance to turn a new page. Even when you fail, you can start again.

So here are my New Year's Resolutions! Feel free to help me stay accountable!

  1. Shoot and write more. I want to become a better photographer for my clients and share my work more. The only way I will be able to do that is to PRACTICE!

  2. Embrace a healthier lifestyle. Y'all let me be honest. . . I am a poor graduate student and I live like one. If I can start eating healthier and sleeping more, I know that I'll be in a better place (trying not to gag at how Hallmark this sounds, but I'm serious!).

  3. Take time for me. I am a Class A workaholic, which is obvious if you look at my Instagram stories of me editing pictures at 2am. I'm even writing this blog at 3am...ON VACATION! I want to be committed to taking time to relax and recharge. Whether it's an hour reading book or an evening grabbing drinks with friends, this is a must!

Before I officially say goodbye to 2017, I want to share a few of my favorite photos from 2017. Not going to lie. . . I cringed a little as I looked at some of my early work. But I'm embracing the fact that I am always learning. Thank you so much to every amazing client I have had this year. I am eternally grateful that you believed in me enough to invest in me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Urban Exploration: Emme

Have you ever met someone that you look at and think they just exude confidence? To me, that person is Emme. From the moment I met her, she was loud, proud, and unashamed to be herself. That is why I absolutely had to do a shoot with her. I needed to get a chance to capture that kind of confidence on camera and show the world! But where?

 

This summer, I spent my time in Madison, Wisconsin teaching and managing media for a performing arts organization. In the short amount of time I spent in Madison, I fell in love with the northern city - particularly the downtown area. There is so much culture and life in that city; everyone should be able to see that!

 

The thoughts I had about the city of Madison and Emme made it the perfect combo for a fun photo shoot! My goal with this shoot was to fulfill my mission as a photographer: to capture the parts of people they don't always see in themselves. I believe everyone is a perfectly unique person and others should be able to appreciate that uniqueness.

 

With that being said, I would like to release my project to showcase the uniqueness that is Emme and Madison, WI. I now present to you the results of our day in downtown Madison - Urban Exploration: Emme!