02/17/2022
The end of a beautiful chapter. Today is as good a day as any to announce the official closing of Christine Rossiter Photography. This will come as no surprise, since I've been closed since the pandemic began back in spring of 2020. Goodness, that seems like a lifetime ago. What also seems like a lifetime ago, is this first picture below of me back in 2015. It was the day my photography business/career was born. I convinced several fellow mama friends to let me practice photographing their families on a 90 degree summer afternoon at the ISU Horticulture Center. I made so many mistakes that day and learned so much of the what NOT to do! But surprisingly, most people loved their photos and more importantly, loved working with me.
Back then I had two babies still at home, working as a SAHM full time. I was desperately craving to find myself again and carve out some "me time" away from the confines of our home. Photography gave me a beautiful outlet to be myself, socialize with amazing friends & clients, pursue my passion, and help provide for my family. It was absolutely perfect for us at the time. I absolutely LOVED it. My business grew and grew and grew! I could barely keep up with demand for my services. You all wonderful people kept me happily busy. 🙂
Fast forward to today, in 2022. My oldest daughter is finishing up her last year of elementary school this spring. She'll transition to Junior High next year (oh dear!). My youngest is self-sufficient and no longer a baby by any sense of the term. They're both in school full time and I can feel the years slipping by. Why do they have to grow up so darn fast?? For so many years, I spent my evenings and weekends booked solid with photoshoots. But now, evenings and weekends are filled with non-stop kid activities and family time. My priority always has been, and always will be my family. And at this stage in our lives, I am only willing to work when the girls are both at school and my husband is at work (and boy, does he work some crazy hours with the ISP). I'm not willing to give up this precious time with my family during these crucial years.
If the pandemic taught us anything, it's that life is precious and can change on a dime in a second. And I can't think of a better way to spend my time than soaking it up with the ones dearest to me. ♥ Due to the lack of available teachers because of covid and the teacher shortage, I've also started substitute teaching at my girls' school to help fill the gaps and step up when needed. I plan on staying with that as long as there is a need. It feels good to help out during this extreme time of need for our schools.
I feel very flattered that my past clients and friends keep asking me when I'll be back. I feel so honored that you're hoping I'll return someday to photograph your families again! You make me feel very loved. ♥ But for now, this is the end of this era. I wish you all sincere happiness, health, and lots of love. I hope I'll get to see you around town or through FB maybe. Keep documenting those important milestones. Keep snapping away at the ordinary moments. Those silly pictures or mundane moments captured are the ones you'll love most in years to come. Big hugs to you all. ♥ Christine
