Big Changes Around Here

Hi everyone, as some of you already know, I have recently started designing for Creative Memories. I have loved working with them so far and am very grateful for the opportunity to do so. The people I've been working with are just fabulous and the number of paid opportunities has been greater than I ever imagined when I signed on to them. I feel so blessed to be working with them.

However, as many of you also know, I only have so much free time to devote to my hobbies. My fantastic husband and 3 sweet kiddos are my real job and I like to devote myself to their needs as much as possible. I have been blessed with many wonderful possible job opportunities in both the scrapbooking world and in photography and I simply can't do them all if I intend to keep my family my first priority... so, this brings me to my point:

Something has to give.

I hate doing this because photography has been such a fun and delightful way for me to get to know so many wonderful families in this area. I've made a lot of friends and had the pleasure to be a part of so many good times:

The joy and wonder of lots of brand new babies.

The romance of weddings and engagements.

The celebration of many children's' milestones.

The excitement of seniors graduating or missionaries going out to serve.

And most of all--the love of so many happy families.

In giving up photo sessions, I know I am really going to miss all of that!

I won't however, miss all the mountains of editing and the carpel tunnel that goes with it. I will also feel better with the knowledge that you sweet people will get much better pictures with other photographers. It eats at me to know where I'd like my skill level to be as a photographer, and to also know I have such a long way to go before I get there. I really appreciate all of you who have let me practice on your families! My own family photos have improved so much as a result of all you patient people! Thank you!

Now before anyone goes into complete panic mode on me, let me add a couple of exceptions to my no more photo shoots rule.

First off, if you have already scheduled a session with me, we will still do it. I'm just not adding any more to my calender.

Second, each fall I will still do 1 Saturday of mini sessions. I will try to fit in about 8-10 families. I will schedule these the same way I did last year on a first come first serve basis, with the booking starting September 1st. These will cost $20 next year, and will only be open to friends and ward members.

Third, I will still do weddings, open houses, and bridals for friends, previous clients, and ward members, etc. Just please don't refer me to your cousin's sister's friend because, I'll say no. Rates will stay the same.

Forth, I will from time to time post an opening here on my blog. This will just be as time permits and when I feel the creative need to scratch the photography bug. I expect there will be about 3-4 of these per year. I will post a time, date, and location here; then give it away to the first taker.

Now I know this will not be a popular post, so let me add a few things to make it more fun. How about a look at some of the sessions I've done this year that never made it to the blog? I didn't blog many of them this year and I should have. So I'll make up for that now. Here are my favorite photos from many sessions that I didn't blog (both recent and some not so recent):

So thanks again everyone for sharing your families, memories, and moments with me! Hopefully I'll be seeing many of you again each fall for a mini session.