15 years!! Cue the party music and confetti! 🎉 In a way, this business was kind of like my first baby, before I even had babies of my own. ...And any seasoned mom will tell you that,  “the days are long but the years are short”. I can remember the long days (and nights!) photographing weddings in the beginning, and I love how much my business has evolved since then! While it’s true that I can’t believe I’m celebrating a decade and a half of this journey, I’m even more surprised at all that I’ve learned along the way. I hope what you learn here inspires you in your own business journey as well!

1. Be willing to evolve and adapt.

It's important that you don't hold too tight to anything. The industry has changed drastically since I launched my business in 2008. For example, the digital market was beginning to really make strides and the Canon 5D Classic was launched the year I graduated college. I had JUST graduated with a fine art photography major, then had to learn digital! 😂 Social Media was also very new on the scene and was limited to Facebook (which certainly wasn't for business at the time). All of these challenges taught me that I can learn as I go (or rather, learn as I GROW!), and I haven't stopped learning since!

2. Don't be afraid to TRY

This is so important! As I mentioned, things can change so rapidly, so we have to be willing to put ourselves out there to try new things! Ask yourself what's the worst that can happen if you do try... and then ask yourself what's the worst that can happen if you don't! Not every business decision I've made has panned out perfect. However, I have learned something new every time and now a huge part of my businesses is getting to share that knowledge with others through my education courses.

3. Set boundaries

If you've been here long, you know I'm passionate about this one. My business is not my whole life and yours shouldn't be either. Make sure you have healthy boundaries between your life and your business. Ask those you love and who know you well how you are doing at this, and ask them often in the beginning. You won't look back at your life wish you had worked more!

4. Don't always follow the crowd

It can be so tempting to do exactly what others are doing, especially if they are constantly talking about how amazing it is. However, use caution and don't let "everyone else is doing it" be your motivating factor behind any of your business decisions. Like your mom likely told you, "if everyone else was jumping off a bridge, would you?". While our businesses do have to evolve and adapt in our ever changing world, make sure your decisions are well thought out rather than just being based on the latest trends and hot topics.

5. Let your light shine

Most importantly, what do you want to be remembered for? There is something about YOU that makes your business special that no one else can offer your clients. Above all that is what this industry needs! We need more people living out their unique giftings in their circles. We need less people trying to produce the exact same result. Focus on how you can love others using your specific gifts and talents. Remember, “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

I'm so grateful you're on this journey with me! The love and support I've seen from clients, students, and fellow photographers have truly been some of life's biggest blessings. I can't wait for what the next 15 years hold!!