Tuesday, December 27, 2011

2012 Resolutions

New Year's Resolutions... you've got to have them, right?  Last year I decided to get serious about the business and my resolutions reflected that.  Before I get into my 2012 resolutions, let's see how I did on 2011's:

Work harder at directing, not just photographing.  I feel like I did a pretty good job here with the high school seniors I worked with and also at the weddings I photographed.  Of course, I'm not directing every little detail, but I'm happy with the balance my style has taken.

Continue to grow and maintain my network. I definitely continued to grow my network and it had an enormous impact on my business!  Not only that, but I've met some amazing people as well.

Be more selective about who I donate time to.  I actually said no to a few organizations who asked me to donate my time.  Don't get me wrong, if I could donate to every organization I believed in I would, but there's only so much of me to go around.

Join some organizations.  Last year I joined the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce and absolutely loved it! Not only did it help to grow my network, but it also connected me with some amazing business owners who continually inspire me.

Develop the business side of things. Definitely nailed this one.  I feel like I have a much better grasp on the business side of things than I did last year at this time.  Is it weird that I'm actually excited to crunch some numbers to see how I came out for the year?


OK, so last year's resolutions were handled pretty well!  What's in store for 2012?  Let's just see...

- Take a risk, every single day.  I came up with this idea way back in November.  I took some risks in 2011.  Most of them were pretty painless and some of them even paid off.  What might happen if I took a risk every single day?  I'm not talking walking in front of a bus or anything crazy, but what would happen if I said what was on my mind a little more often, if I made a phone call or sent an email I might be hesitant to make or if I took some shots during a shoot that I might typically skip?  We'll see.

- Shoot more personal work.  I've really enjoyed shooting film this year.  I'm planning on shooting much more in 2012 for my personal work, as well as setting up some personal shoots.  The inspiration and freedom that comes from shooting for yourself can not be matched and are invaluable in my development as a creative individual.

- Focus my business and business goals.  I see myself taking on fewer events and families in 2012 and taking more weddings and high school seniors.  It's not that I don't enjoy events or families, but I really want to focus my work.  With my business goals, I already know what my general numbers are and what to aim for, but I want to be more engaged on a regular basis and know if I'm on track to make all of my goals for the year at any given point in time.

- Network, network, network!  This has been one of the most useful things I've done for my business and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.  In 2012, I want to attend 3 networking events  (and I use the term "networking event" loosely) per month.  

Wish me luck!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Norma and Juan - Denver Wedding Photography


Norma and Juan had already been married for over a year when I met with them to discuss photographing their wedding.  Wait.  What?  That's right.  They had gotten married in Las Vegas, but still wanted to get married in the church in front of friends and family, so they planned another wedding and asked me to photograph it!  Thank you Norma and Juan for asking me to photograph your wedding.












Friday, December 23, 2011

2011 Wrapup

2011. It's been a damn good year. I've met some amazing people. They're the kind of people who will be lifelong friends and will challenge me to improve as a photographer. I've gained focus, both in my business and personal life. I broken down barriers, shed inhibitions and really feel that flourished as a person.

Sometimes figuring out what's important and what needs to go away is a difficult thing. Other times, it's a very simple decision. This year I've been faced with both and I believe I've made the right decision every time.  Let me tell you... that feels good.

I've been privileged enough to work with some wonderful and generous people this year.  They have made a huge impact on my career.  I can't thank these people enough for working with me, letting me work with them and being there to help out when a business challenge (or opportunity) presented itself:

Karina Heneghan, Kimothy and Tess with Love n Joy PhotographySara Hasstedt, Annabelle with Mahal Bella PhotographyAutumn Cutaia, Sarah with Trulife PhotographyKen MillerMichael Sasser, Katy with Golden Paisley Photography, Rachael with Rachael Grace Photography, Marina with Marina Photo Art, Sarah with Lola Photography and Art Heffron.

Goodbye, 2011. You'll be missed. You'll be remembered fondly. I can only hope that 2012 holds half of the opportunity, the fun and the love that you provided.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Just A Few Flowers and Trees

I don't take many photos of flowers and plants, but when I do I try to capture something a little different than normal.  Here are a few of my favorites from 2011.








Wednesday, December 21, 2011

2011 Wrapup: Film

One of my newest joys of 2011 is shooting with vintage cameras and film.  I just love heading out with a camera that forces me to slow down, doesn't give me instant feedback (except for the Polaroid) and only gives me 10-12 photos to work with.  Here are a few of my favorite film photos of 2011.  If you want to stay up to date on my personal work and see my latest film photos, be sure to check out my Tumblr page!











Tuesday, December 20, 2011

2011 Wrapup: Seniors in BW

I had such a great group of high school seniors in 2011.  We shot all around Denver and the Front Range and got some amazing photos.  Here are a few of my favorite black and white photos from the year.









Monday, December 19, 2011

2011 Wrapup: Weddings in BW

I can't believe that last year at this time I had only shot a handful of weddings.  This year was my first year of shooting weddings for the entire year and it was amazing!  I got to meet so many wonderful people and work with so many fabulous photographers, I can't believe that for a while I considered not shooting weddings.

Lately, I've been addicted to black and white photos, so I figured that I'd share some of my favorites of the year.  Enjoy!