Lifestyle Photographer| Clovis|Closing 2023

Lifestyle Photographer| Clovis|Closing 2023

Closing 2023 

Can’t believe we made it to the end of another year. This is only my second year in business and well boy has it been rocky. I’ve had so many changes in my business this year that it feels like I restarted all over again. I don’t want to get super sentimental but I do want to acknowledge all of the huge milestones we’ve hit this year. I like to say it’s super important to celebrate every win. I’m guilty of having forgotten this myself this year.

The Growth

I’ve come so far from where I started. I am proud of where I am today. Everyone’s journey is different and I tend to put so much pressure on myself to top my last accomplishment. I never really soak in the moment I’m in. I’ve not only grown my knowledge of photography. I’ve also learned so much about the business side of this all. Two years ago would have never guessed that I’d be here. Of course, we all set plans and goals for ourselves and I feel like there is still so much I have to do. As many of you know I recently relocated to the Central Valley. Which means I had to grow again my client list. It hasn’t been easy. I’ve just started and I’m excited to see how much I grow in another two years here. I have met already some amazing people in the community. I still travel once a month to the LA area and book sessions with the old community that I miss dearly. It’s fun working with two different communities. I’ve also gained lots of new photographer friends that know exactly what I’m going through and have been super helpful with the journey. This year I also got published in two different magazines which was super cool. I’ve had clients fly from out of state to work with me. I’ve worked on more weddings this year than last year. I also introduced short films to my business. I’ve booked a few short films and they have been so much fun. Another cool thing this year is that I’ve worked with a lot of pet families. I’ve surely expanded and grown in different ways. I’m still learning and have so much growing to do. Can’t wait to see what I write next year.

The Challenges

It hasn’t been a smooth road so far. I’ve had amazing experiences this year but also faced some challenges. The biggest challenge was starting fresh in a new community. I grew into really loving my old LA community. Finding my place here hasn’t been easy. I almost rebranded myself. So glad I didn’t just fit it. I want to make it clear it’s not about the competition but more about understanding where I fit in. I know what I can do and what my strengths are. I just need to remember that it’s not easy and can’t expect to be successful in a new city overnight. Something that I know is that lots of entrepreneurs don’t show so much of or talk about as often how it’s not always a full calendar or endless bookings. Especially in the photography industry where there are slow seasons. During the slow season, it can be difficult. You will have days where you will get up to work and maybe not see the results and get discouraged. It’s a mental game. I understand now why they say many businesses don’t make it. Being consistent regardless if you don’t see any immediate progress is not easy and is something you have to do. Always keep pushing yourself forward. Some days I coach myself to try a little harder. I tell myself someday this will pay off just don’t give up and keep going. Even if they are baby steps, the growth will come, it’s all part of the process. Another challenge has been growing business and also being a full-time mom and wife who has to put aside personal time to work a lot. I run my business alone. I do all the marketing, contracting, and scheduling. Spreading myself thin on many occasions. That’s the beauty of the process. Also learning how to balance everything out.

Wrapping up

Wrapping up I want to say that if you booked me for a wedding, any type of session or event I want to thank you. It’s not just the service I’m providing but also the dream you’re helping build. Super excited to see what I create in 2024. Excited to meet new clients and help capture their moments.