a year in review: 2024

This journey that I've been on, with this photography business, has been one of blind trial and absolute error.  It's not been easy, and sometimes I believe I probably unintentionally, but most definitely, make it more difficult by attempting to do things my way first.  That isn't to say that I don't think I don't have anything to learn from anyone else, but at first I had this grandiose idea that to be a creative, one had to have all the ideas all on their own without any outside influence or muse or inspiration.  

Which is COMPLETELY irrational.  Because as we know every artist has had their muse and many humans have been graced with that title throughout the years. 

But BUSINESS is definitely different than artistry.  And oh guess what, I don't have a business degree. Turns out, business is one of those things that you really have to struggle through some parts, pay good money to learn other parts, and the rest is figuring it out along the way.

So while I spent the first three years being inconsistent through lots of ebbs and flows, lots of struggling, lots of flailing, lots of fit throwing, lots of lessons learned, lots of trials and lots of errors, I decided this year to get off my high horse and pay for some decent guidance in turning this dream of mine into a reality, finally.  

Learning business, when you haven't been traditionally trained, seems to be a lot of reaching and grabbing for random floating bits and pieces to help you along.  And that is FRUSTRATING.  I wanted a space to give me the basic knowledge of a large part of building a business that can stand, last, and has a foundation of trust, transparency, joy, contentment, and hopefully - legacy.  

It has most certainly been an ache of mine to create a full time photography business.  I niggling feeling in the back of mind that has never gone away, since the first time I picked up that How To photography book (see my ABOUT ME to read this story).  

And now it feels like I'm not reaching, struggling, flailing, grasping at straws that are inconsistently put in place (maybe) to create something.  

Now it feels like I have a plan.  Like 2025 might be my year of tremendous growth.  The year I have been waiting patiently for (because everything in its own time, right?)  The year I am now ready for.  

This journey of mine has been the epitome of fail until you succeed.  And honestly, it hasn't felt like failing so much as very slow learning.  I may say that in hindsight, but I have never not believed I'm meant to be here in this space.  I just felt like it was a lot of lessons learned and a lot of back and forth, but never that I wasn't worthy to be here.  

Now I feel a bit more confident, a bit more stable.  This year has shown me an amazing ability to be patient, seek help, be present ... and be visible.  

I categorize myself as a hardcore introvert.  Large, crowds in large spaces and one on ones with new faces kills me (uhg, small talk - no thanks). 

But, maybe most of that was a lack of confidence, a bit of left over from having a child, and the unknown.  Because this year I have found a bit more breath, a big more strength, a lot of bravery - something I teach my daughter, so I had to learn to model it whole heartedly... its funny how children will change you inside and out. 

In 2025, you'll find me picking up the phone instead of screening calls, at marketing and networking events, serving my community in more ways, not hiding behind my computer, putting my face to this brand that I am putting in everything I have to build with ever fiber of my being.  And I'm here this year to be more vulnerable than ever, so you know who is taking your family photos every year. 

2024 has been GOOD to me.  I am so grateful.  2025 will be better, I can feel it. 

And just a ps on that note - if  you feel like 2024 has been difficult or not on your side, remember there is always tomorrow to start seeing the sun shine, we do not need to wait until Jan 1st to have our moment.  It is okay if you have not yet had your year, or this one has been just seen 365 days of difficulties.  Its okay if this was your year to just survive.  I hope tomorrow you see something brighter, bluer, greener, fresher, and more hopeful.

In that effort to be more seen, you will see me here a lot more this year and beyond.  This is a continued saga of beautiful things.  Along with all the other ways I want to be more present and visible in my business, I also want you to see what I see in the in-between times that we meet. 

So at the end of every month I will be sending another chapter of "a journey of beautiful things" to give you a peek into my life, the beautiful things I've thought, felt, heard, and seen throughout the month.  A story of pictures and words.  Outside of business-Sam, the real Sam that makes up the business.

I hope this isn't an email you just delete every month, I truly hope this is one you look forward to, one that inspires you, one that opens you, fills you, and captures your heart in one way or another.  

And with that, I hope you have had a beautiful season of love, joy, and above all else contentment.  If you feel like your ebbs and flows are stronger than ever, remember it is taking you places, you are gaining the knowledge you need to take that next step, make that next move, and be ready for what is coming.  It all happens for a reason and when its supposed to, and there is no use in trying to rush it - resistance is futile, as they say :)

Tell me in the comments, what beautiful thing you've witnessed this month.  What has filled your cup, what has soothed your soul, what has made you feel alive?

wherever it may take you, up or down, or all around, I hope you always enjoy the journey.