"New Year, New You" That seems to be the mantra for the coming year. I hope you found that 2018 was amazing and that the coming year will be even better. For me, 2018 had some amazing moments, a few challenges, lots of learning, and plenty of blessings that will carry into the New Year. So let's review some of the ups, downs, and life changing events.
In 2018 I started my first Senior Rep Program, the Candid Crew. I had a plan, I had ideas, but ultimately I didn't know what to expect. I will say that these young ladies taught me a lot about how I want to represent my studio with this generation and reignited my creativity. I was able to challenge myself to try new techniques and force myself to design "outside the box" for many of these sessions. What I didn't expect was to form such an amazing connection with these beautiful young women. They made me realize I can not only create beautiful art but help to shape lives and empower people through photography. I am now even more passionate about my job than ever before and I thank these wonderful young ladies for helping me to rediscover my potential.
I grew in not only knowledge, but square footage this year! In August I began the process of moving the studio into the Incubator Building in Benton Wisconsin. The space was big and open but we could see the potential. I am in love with the studio. If you haven't stopped in to see me, please come by because I am like a new mom with this studio. I love showing her off and being at the studio just feels like home. We still have some work to do but all good things happen to those who wait. Slowly but surely we will continue to grow and make adjustments. I do hope to have an "open house" at the studio in the New Year. Be on the look out for that. The new studio space will allow me to offer more indoor portrait opportunities and try new projects that have always been on my "bucket list". A big thank you to my Mom (and assistant) for all the help with envisioning how amazing this could be and helping me to create a space I truly love.
Personally, this year has been a little challenging. In May, I was struggling with some random pain, fatigue, and just overall feeling like crap. My doctors ran all the scary tests that no one likes to think about and all came back GREAT... That gave me no answers. However, I was treated with a steroid, felt super human for a week, and all seemed well. I went about my business, literally, and as usual I was going full throttle being a full time mama and still running the studio during my busy summer months. July and August were extremely stressful. A lot of changes with the studio and unforeseen obstacles. I was preparing for the crazy fall season and I again started to experience some pain in my legs. I figured I did something stupid during a session so like any hard working midwestern girl I slapped on a knee brace and called it a day. By the end of October the pain was starting to take a toll. At nights it was almost unbearable and the pain had now spread into my upper body as well. The slightest touch was horrible. I was tired all the time, I couldn't concentrate and it felt like I was in a "fog". Not only was I swamped with the studio but taking care of my daughter in our two story home became difficult. I headed back to the doctor. Again, we ran all the scary tests and again they came back normal. However, my Doctor wasn't surprised. Given my history and this now being my second "flare up" I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. (It's okay, I didn't know what it was either). Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Fun, right? I'm still learning different ways to manage all the side effects and develop new routines for a "new me". I suppose it's about time my body and my brain tells me to take it down a notch and I suppose going 100 mph during the busy season isn't the greatest. It's been a challenge but we'll figure it out. Yes, I'm also learning to ask for help and delegate. It most certainly will be a "New Year, New Me".
I always want to take moment and thank everyone for trusting me to capture their amazing moments in 2018. I know you have plenty of choices for photographers but I love that you trust in my abilities, love my creativity, and enjoy my crazy personality enough to allow me to be your portrait artist. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. May 2019 be even more amazing than your 2018 and I hope to see you all again in the coming year.
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