The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose. She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business. She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else. She LOVED nursing! Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again. As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching. I loved that no two days were ever the same. I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose. I loved the students and coworkers. But I did not love the schedule. I felt very confined. When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer! I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes. I love making my own schedule. I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come. I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions. But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them! I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family! For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

The Wier Family

Meet the Wier Family! I first met the Wier Family in 2014 at my first ever fall mini session/pumpkin patch mini session event. At this time they had one gorgeous daughter and one handsome son. I had such a great time with them and I hoped they would schedule a future session with me...and they did. In fact they scheduled many more sessions with me since that time. Just take a look at how much their family changed over the years! And look how much my photography changed as well!

For four years now I have captured memories for the Wier Family. That is just amazing! And I am so incredibly happy that they finally had a family session with me! When I schedule a session with them, they already know what to expect from me. We can easily carry on conversations. I know their children. Everything is just so smooth!

The Wier Family is a perfect example of WHY I love my job.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

— Confucius

There are many things I absolutely LOVE about being a photographer! I LOVE meeting new friends! There are so many of my clients that I consider to be my friends. It's kind of strange how you can get to know someone and connect with them in one short session, but it definitely happens. I am witnessing a family truly interact with one another in a genuine fashion.

I also LOVE watching these friends' little ones grow up through the lens on my camera! There are several clients that I photographed when I was just beginning two and a half years ago that continue to book sessions with me. It's so amazing to see them grow and develop their personalities!

As the year comes to a close, I'd like to take a moment and reflect on the families and little ones that have grown up in front of my camera over the past two and a half years :)