03/15/2025
LIFE UPDATE AND REALLY LONG POST AHEAD, BUT PLEASE READ:
After an absurd amount of careful consideration (and I mean literal weeks of back and forth decision-making, mind battles, and tears), I've decided to take a little hiatus. I'm not sure for how long, just yet, but full transparency: I desperately need a break.
DIRTY DEETS (except not really):
As most of you already know, my dad passed away a year ago from a very sudden, rare, and aggressive cancer, literally only a month after his diagnosis. Perfectly healthy one day, gone the next. I tried distracting myself by working more at my other job and booking more weddings, second shooting gigs, and tons of family sessions. I feel I haven't given myself time to heal, and that is what I intend to work on during this little hiatus. I got too overwhelmed with everything last year, fell behind by a month during the end of the year trying to catch up on editing while also trying to figure out how to navigate the first holiday season without him... it was hard. It was way too much.
Aside of that, my little boy is one year away from going to school for the next 18+ years. While this makes me excited for him, it also breaks my mama heart. I want to cherish every moment I can with my family, especially given the events of this past year.
Lastly, I have been working at a grocery store for the past year and a half after working for larger corporations and call center/office settings. I wanted something different and easy. A job where I can truly just clock in, work, clock out, and leave my work at work. I started out only 2 days a week. SUPER part time, so I could focus on photography. Eventually, that turned in to 3 days a week, which turned in to 5, which, as of recent, turned in to working full time again for the first time in 3 years.
THE HARD AND PAINFULLY HONEST TRUTH:
The economy sucks right now. People aren't booking photoshoots like they used to. I mean, we can hardly afford eggs anymore, so I get it but it's costing me more money to run my business than I am making from it. This is the unfortunate reality for soooo many small businesses right now. I'm just reminding myself that I'm not quitting, I'm taking a much needed break. I'll still be doing little side projects here and there to keep my creative juices flowing, but as of now, I am not taking on more clients.
****IF YOU HAVE AN UPCOMING SESSION OR WEDDING WITH ME, THIS WILL 100000% NOT AFFECT IT IN ANY WAY AT ALL! I am so fully dedicated to your sessions and weddings, still, so please do not fear!****
TO OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS:
I am still willing to second shoot for you, so hit me up if you need a second shooter! :)
SIGNING OFF:
I plan to take a social media hiatus, as well, for a little while to focus on my family as well as my mental and physical health. My website is currently down, but if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at [email protected]
Thank you for understanding and thank you SO much for supporting me these past two-ish years in one of the best journeys of my life! I'll be back, but for now, I'm signing off.✌️