I love January! I know that by saying this, all of my northern friends and family are cursing my name right now (I'm sorry it's cold where you are) but I love January! I love that the start of every new year brings with it such promise and hope. I love that it challenges me to evaluate the year before and look for changes that I can make in the coming year, whether personally or business-related. Last year was an amazing year in so many ways! My photography business continued to grow and I was able to meet more new families than ever before. My family was healthy (for the most part) and happy (and with two almost-tweens in the house, I will consider that a WIN). We were able to spend time with our friends and loved ones and create incredible memories. Our summer was filled with waterfalls and hikes through the mountains and beach time and family olympics (an annual tradition in my family).
I got to watch my oldest niece share camera tips with my blonde. I got to share my beloved Blue Ridge GA with my little sister and nieces (and made time to stop at Mercier's orchard for a hard cider tasting...yum!). We tubed down the Toccoa River. We went "surfing" on a six-person SUP. We ate ice cream and played in the waves and had picnics in the kayaks at sunset.
You know what we didn't do? Take pictures at home, of our everyday wonderful (and sometimes not-so-wonderful) lives. As the family photographer, I take full responsibility. Life gets crazy, with school and dance and music lessons and chores (ugh, the chores!!). But here's the thing....when I look back on the past year, I have limited pictures of my family from much of the year. I did great this summer but other than the occasional special event or dance recital, I don't have much to show for it other than a few selfies I took with my girls. And that makes me sad because there are so many other things I want to remember about our lives that don't revolve around special events. So, while I don't make resolutions, I have decided to leave my "big girl" camera out to remind myself to capture some of the day-to-day moments this year (something other than selfies on my phone). When 2019 comes to a close, I want to have more of my story to show! Here are a few tips on how to tell more of your story....