My word for 2017... an update | + my 2018 goals

Last January I shared with you my word for 2017... Fearless. This was my first year ever doing this and I said I'd give an update, so here it is! 

Now this word definitely affected my year, but not in the way I ever thought. It of course reminded me to try things even if they seemed scary, but it also inspired me to work on a side project that I had been thinking about for a while but NEVER thought I'd actually do. A project that has NOTHING to do with photography *gasp*. I know that's pretty vague, but that's all I'll be getting into on that, for now. 

Overall, I felt having a word for 2017 to be a fun and simple way to give the year focus. Although I'm not sure it to be necessary to actually achieve your goals. I personally like to reevaluate goals quarterly (if not monthly) to stay on track. 

This year I've set a few intentions, but am honestly keeping goals simple. We're expecting a baby in June, so that will be a big focus for us as we adjust to life as a family of four! Whaaaa?!

A few goals for 2018:

+ Simplify - stuff, food, organization, everything.

+ Practice Gratitude - this is something I already do, but I'd like to take it to the next level by journaling daily. 

+ Read More - I was never much of a reader, or so I convinced myself. But after finishing a book the first week of this year (a speed record for me for sure!), I'm inspired to keep going. 

+ Outsource - Besides having assistants on jobs, I'm pretty much a one woman show. I'd like to learn to let go of some tasks that I know can be done really well by someone else. (aka: stop being such a control freak;) And with baby #2 on the way it's a good time to start letting go. 

+ Self Care - develop a simple self care routine for mind, body, and soul.

p.s. Sorry I've been MIA! Pregnancy is kicking my butt this time around. But the morning sickness is finally lightning up. FINALLY!! 
I have lots of work to share from last year, and will do so here in a bit!

Wishing you a beautiful 2018! 

What are your methods for tracking and achieving goals?
I'd love to hear!

What Makes An Image "Frame Worthy"?

When it comes to photographs (or anything really) it's not about perfection. 

This image is blurry and grainy and you can't see their faces. It was snapped as my daughter was running and laughing with her Aunt on a sunset walk back to the car. We had just finished up a family dinner by the ocean on our first night in Marco. The mood was happy and relaxed, and it was a moment I wanted to remember. 

I often get asked by clients on what makes an image "frame worthy".... and to be honest the first few times I wasn't so sure on my answer. Is it when everyone is looking at the camera? Nope. Is it when the lighting is oh-so-perfect? Not necessarily.

So what makes an image "frame worthy"? Emotion. 
How you feel when you look at it.

And when selecting a photograph for a room, think of how you want the room to feel. Do you want it to feel happy, calm, romantic, or moody? I believe what we surround ourselves with, affects us. Whether that's for the good or bad. People, objects, art, these all contribute to how we will feel in a space. 

This photo sparks a sense of happiness and mystery. And I love that.

Might be blowing this one up soon. 

There Are No Rules

This summer has been fun, busy, and a little crazy. We sold our house, moved across town, traveled to see family and friends, and are just now (finally!) trying to get settled into our little rental. 

Recently, I've gone back and forth on keeping this blog strictly about my work or sharing some personal posts as well. Up till now I had only blogged about photo shoots and "behind the scenes" stuff, and since I had taken time away from work over the summer (with all the craziness), blogging definitely went on the back burner. 
I asked for friends opinions, and even googled what the "right" thing to do was. what's better for my business? or my time? should I have separate blogs? does it even matter? blah blah blah... and even though my friends loved the idea of combining the two, I still felt just as lost with all the research as I did before hand (Google can do that sometimes).

but then I realized...

THERE ARE NO RULES.

It's funny that the idea of what something is supposed to be can limit our thinking. We put someone else's standards on ourselves, all for an idea we weren't actually sure about to begin with. 

So, I'm going with gut over google and decided that along with sharing my work, I'll also be sharing more personal thoughts and experiences about photography, business, inspiration, and home life. My goal with this is to be more open and honest and helpful. 

Stay tuned! And also, stay true to yourself. (too cheesy?? MmmK.) 

UPDATE: I've moved the journal over HERE!

           (one of the last photos taken in our house before it sold)