Ten years ago, I celebrated my birthday by working on a photography website design with a friend. I knew then that I loved taking pictures and that I wanted a career instead of a job. But I didn’t have a clue about how much this would feed my soul, define who I am as a person, give me self confidence and strength, and seriously shape my life.
Thank YOU. Each of you who have invited me to be a part of your lives by documenting your achievements, love, growth, and losses have taught me something, given me something, and helped me grow. You have taught me how truly meaningful it is to be able to document love and memories.
I could write pages and pages about the moments that have meant SO much to me…
-YOU who took a chance on me when I was brand new at this.
-YOU who believed in me when I didn’t fully believe in myself.
-YOU who saw a goal on my annual goals list and took it upon yourself to help me achieve it.
-YOU who called me before your pregnancies were public news, not just to reserve a spot on my calendar, but because you knew I wanted to celebrate the news with you.
-YOU who showed compassion/were a shoulder to cry on through pregnancy loss and reassured me that there would be a light at the end of a dark tunnel, because you had gone down this path before me, and you felt my pain.
-YOU who showed compassion/patience on the days that I have been less than perfect at running a business.
-YOU who included me in your proposal/wedding planning process.
-YOU who thanked me in your wedding speech or sent notes of thanks in the mail for your photos (I have saved EVERY thank you card!!)
-YOU who have treated me as the photographer member of your family, not just a person hired for a task.
THANK YOU.
As much as I love the art of taking pictures, and experience joy when technical knowledge combined with genuine emotion creates art, YOU are what has made this job something I love.
If the first ten years were this great, I can’t wait to see what the next ones bring. THANK YOU for celebrating this milestone with me.
