08/08/2026
When I first thought about creating a magazine for Reflect & Refocus, I honestly didn't know what it would become.
I hoped people would enjoy flipping through its pages, checking out some of the local businesses I've had the pleasure of photographing, and maybe discovering a few they hadn't heard of before.
And selfishly, I was really excited to see my photography in print. 🤍
You could say it started as my own little way of creating a physical portfolio of my work, while hopefully using that space to shine some light on the businesses and people I've gotten to work with along the way.
I printed only a handful of copies of the first issue because I truly had no idea how people were going to respond to it or even how it was going to turn out.
And then I started handing them out.. even though I did infact mess up a few little things. I mean you live and learn right!
But something amazing happened..
Businesses started asked if they could have copies for their shops and salons.
Business owners started asking how they could be featured in the next issue.
Some asked if there was a way they could continue being included issue after issue.
And several businesses offered to contribute toward printing because they wanted to help me get more copies out into the community.
I honestly was not prepared for this kind of response.
So after a lot of conversations, feedback, ideas and honestly just figuring this out as I go... I've decided to let Reflect & Refocus Magazine grow into something a little bigger than I originally imagined.
Going forward, I plan to release a new issue every other month, featuring local businesses, entrepreneurs, vendors, creatives and the people and stories behind them.
I'm also restructuring my branding experience to include a new Signature Spotlight Experience for businesses that want more than updated branding photos. This experience will include a full branding session along with a two-page feature in the magazine, giving me the opportunity to really tell the story behind the business and the person who built it.
There will also be smaller opportunities for local vendors, food trucks, creatives and entrepreneurs who simply want to get their name in front of our community — because I never want this magazine to only be accessible to businesses with large advertising budgets.
I'm still learning.
I'm still figuring out exactly what this looks like.
And I'm sure things will continue to change as the magazine grows.
But that's also what makes this exciting.
What started as a little portfolio project is slowly becoming a way to connect our community, introduce people to local businesses and give small business owners a beautiful, affordable place to share what they do.
And I can't wait to see where we take it. 🤍
P.S. One thing I really want to do as this grows is find ways to get other local photographers involved, too.
I know there are so many businesses that have already invested in beautiful branding photos with photographers they love, and I don't believe that should keep them from having the opportunity to be part of this magazine.
My goal with Reflect & Refocus has always been to build community, not competition. 🤍
So, if you're a photographer who would be interested in collaborating, or you're a business owner who already has branding photos you'd love to use for a feature, reach out! Let's talk and see how we can make it happen.
I'm still figuring out exactly what that could look like, but I'm absolutely open to finding ways to work together.
