Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays!

Finally we have snow, and finally it feels like the holiday season.
I wanted to take a moment to say some thank you's.

This year has been incredible for me, absolutely incredible.

Around this time last year I found a post advertising photo lessons titled Dirty Little Secrets.
I'd been looking for lessons for a while and decided this one sounded perfect. Was within my budget, met my scheduling needs and the instructor's portfolio and knowledge seemed endless.
January (or February) can't even remember, I took my very first lesson. I parked (I was late, of course) and I saw an acquaintance,(whom I had thought was so nice but had lost her email address) walking up the stairs towards the classes too.
It seemed meant to be.
I was so excited!

We had our first lesson and I went home feeling inspired (by Hope, our instructor who continues to inspire and motivate me constantly!).
I attempted our first homework assignment, and frustration got the best of me. I put my camera up and decided not to continue with the lessons. I decided I'd email Hope (I have sent her sooo many emails since January 2008) to see if she could offer me any insight before I gave up. She quicklyemailed me back with suggestions and helpful tips. She got me right back on track to attempt to accomplish the assignment.
I persisted, and while I wasn't sure I would be good at photography I decided going to the next photography lesson was a must.

And I am so grateful that I did.

Throughout the lessons (January through May/June) I met so many good friends, who inspire me and push me to limits I didn't know I had, on a daily basis.
The Dirty Little Secret girls have become an amazing support basis for me.
My lessons turned into something I looked forward to , my photography turned into something I couldn't get enough of.

I've grown so much this year. I've learned that I have been missing something in my life....a creative outlet. Some of you know, some of you don't know...but I've always needed to be creative. I was a floral designer from 2000 until 2006 (still am one..always will be, but haven't been working as one). It always provided me with an outlet for any sort of thearpy I was needing (good and bad). It's so hard to describe how I felt when I would design flower arrangements....but I discovered this year, it's the same feeling I get when I take pictures.

I remember this summer I was hugely pregnant with Jax and my other two sons were driving me bonkers...lol. We went for a walk to the park and I brought my camera along.
I took these pictures. and discovered photography was now my thearapy. Photography was what I had been missing.

Hope, I cannot thank you enough for the amazing gift you've given me. You've helped me to discover a passion that I know will be with me forever.
:)
DLS girls (Hope you too!) I want to thank you for your consistant comments on my blog, your encouragement and your inspiration.

And finally to my clients.
Thank you for allowing me to glimpse into your lives, to photograph your precious moments, your laughter and your love.
It has been an incredible journey thus far and I look forward to many more photographs to come.

Happy Holidays from me (and my family) to you and yours.