Years of growing...

I often see the quote: "The only photographer you should compare yourself to is yourself". A couple of years ago, I wrote a post about how I got started into photography, you can read it here. Though at the time I felt like I had been in it for a lifetime, It amazes me how many opportunities I've been given to grow since.

Three years ago next month, my sister-in-law asked me to take maternity photos for her. She was due with my niece within just a few weeks, and though I was thrilled, I'll admit I was just a little terrified to take them. The perfectionist it me will often keep me from trying things I'm not 100% sure I can achieve. It's amazing how the world of photography will take me out of my comfort zone (in a good way)!

I was happy with the outcome of their photos. They were by no means perfect, but I proved to myself that day I could do it. Here are a few...

A few weeks later, my beautiful niece was born. Once again, thrilled, but even more nervous. Newborn photography... it's hard to even describe. For the baby lover in me, this is something I dreamed of doing. On this day, the dream became a touch of reality...

Flash forward a few years....remember the quote? "The only photographer you should compare yourself to is yourself". Same family... new baby sister...

What have I've learned? My love for color outshines how I {thought} I felt about black & white back then! :)

I've had more newborn sessions than I can count between the births of my 2 nieces. I have only fallen in love more as the years go by. I could do this every.single.day.

To my family, friends, and clients (who become friends!). Thank you for supporting me, trusting me with your memories, and watching me grow. I have lots of growing to do, and I'm excited to see what the future holds!

Maternity sash & hair accessories by Peppermint Kisses Boutique.

My little buddy...

Do you know the moment when you make that grand list...the one with all the things you are ::going:: to accomplish & how excited you are to have a plan (even if it's not something you really want to do...)? Do you also know the moment where the plan gets thrown out the window because life happens? Yeah, that's the story of my week. :o)

I had my list: edit sessions, meet with clients, clean the house, go grocery shopping...not necessarily in that order, but a list just the same. Instead, life happened, there was a need, and I got a little visitor.

Cute as a button, sweet as can be, and a complete distraction!! :o) Editing sessions got put on hold, my very sweet & understanding clients waited patiently to be met, the house didn't get cleaned, and grocery shopping was accomplished while she carried my list in her mouth. haha

But though things didn't go exactly as planned, I was able to make memories with my niece. Memories that I may cherish more than she remembers, but important ones just the same.

So today as I am catching up on editing, e-mailing & scheduling with clients, & washing dishes at 11:30 P.M. I know that it's worth it.

Because I have a few more days with her, and tomorrow morning I get to hear her talking sweetly in her bed, and will be greeted with a "hi" and very girly giggles and smiles.

And we will begin another adventure...(and hopefully get things accomplished along the way!)