"It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Soon the bells will start. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing right within your heart."
– Bing Crosby
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” (1941)
Every year I head to Country Cove Tree Farm and capture clients new and old. It's such a perfect spot to get Christmas and fall photos all in one. For two hours I turn my personality and energy on high and move from family to family for 20 minutes. I walk away from every set of sessions exhausted but rewarded. My heart is always full. I get to capture these families being all about each other for 20 minutes in a world that doesn't always allow us time to take in the ones we love with all of our focus. I've been blessed this year to have the most amazing families and kids and feel that love. It's not been just a job for me but a gift and I used to not feel that way. Maybe it is true - things just get better with age.
I want to say just how blessed I feel this year. I took years off and returned feeling defeated. Last year I barely booked any minis - not because I didn't want to but because I didn't try as hard as I should have. Did I mention how defeated I felt? Then 2020 came. I've always been one to stand strong in the face of challenge. 2020 had no idea how I had been at war with myself for a few years and was beyond ready to put to the test all I had learned. 2020 slowed the world down though and in that time I taught myself the new world of photography, I took classes. I practiced with new lenses and techniques that didn't fit into my old style of photography. I restructured the way my business works, accounting and direction. I used 2020 to push me fully out of my box and typing this I realize I'm probably one of the few that is beyond thankful for 2020. Outside of masks, my loss of the ability to travel and my summer of concerts (and really let's be honest Dave Matthews Band concerts) being stolen I can't complain. I do not think I would be here in business if it hadn't been for 2020. I would still be doing the same ole same old in the business world and being filled with envy this time of year when other photographers are booking out.
I want to say I truly believe that when you start looking at the world more positively, dropping the dead weight in life that weighs you down and putting out into the Universe your true goals and wants in life they happen. They manifest. The become real to you and to others.
Thank you to my clients so far this year that have helped my dreams and goals become real. Ya'll are amazing and I hope each and every one of you have the most beautiful holiday season yet.
xo,
Amanda
