I honestly just can’t believe another year has come and gone – 2016 was the best (and craziest) year yet. This year, I was fortunate to spend another summer second shooting weddings for Nicole Ashley, as well as getting in some travelling to New York City and Jasper. In October, I attended the Calibrate Retreat here in Edmonton and was able to learn from one of my favourite photographers, Ben Sasso. It’s very true what they say about how photographers never stop learning. We’re never done, never finished, we never know it all. I LOVE being able to learn a little bit more every time I go out and shoot or visit with other photographers. To Nicole – Thanks for being an amazing mentor, for pushing me out of my comfort zone a little bit every time, and for letting me bug you with a hundred questions. It means the world to me.
One of the biggest struggles this year to know when to turn it off and take time to spend with those around me, and take care of myself as well. I will never, ever regret working hard, but there definitely needs to be balance. I learned the hard way what happens when you just work and work and work without taking any time for yourself. I faced major burnout and anxiety, and I ended up getting incredibly sick this winter. I am so grateful that my friends and family understand how crazy life can be and they’ve always been so understanding. In 2017, I hope to find a little more balance in my own life and remember to make a few more memories with my family. In the following year, I hope to bring even more passion and connection into my photography. I want to capture your wedding day just as you yourself would, if you could. Let’s get back to what photography is really about – more than just a pretty photo for social media, but the memories that you are going to hold close to your heart forever of your favourite person, the moments you are going to share and pass down to your children, your grandchildren.
Combining art and business is a very strange thing. Here’s to figuring it out piece by piece, pushing just a little bit harder, and making something beautiful. Thank you from the depths of my heart for all of your support and letting me create for you. I’m so grateful that you guys are loving what I’m doing so far, and I can’t wait to show you what’s going to be happening in 2017. See you on the other side! ✌
Some photos in this blog post were taken while second shooting for Nicole Ashley and Lyndsay Greenwood.
