Tuesday, May 29, 2012

On Pursuing Crazy Dreams.

I cannot believe I'm coming up on the one year anniversary of launching my own little business, little joys. photography. I would be lying if I said I'm not a little surprised that I actually made it one whole year. You see, I have a habit of jumping into things, full throttle, bursting at the seams with excitement, only to have said excitement and motivation fizzle after a short while. 


For example, figure skating, horseback riding, gymnastics, piano lessons, voice lessons... just to name a few. God knows I drove my parents absolutely nutty with my childhood endeavors but I'm so thankful they had the patience to put up with my, let's call it, whimsical attention span


Most days, I can hardly call what I do a "business." Why? Because it feels so much less like work to me and more like chasing after and indulging in a passion of mine. I've always loved photography and what started as an obsession with beautiful landscapes and antique buildings quickly evolved into something much more. 


Capturing life's little joys. 


Starting your own business is like taking a giant leap of faith. There's only so much you can do before you have to just sit back and rely on your talent to speak for itself. After my first few sessions with little joys. were wrapped up in pretty packages and tied with silk bows, I knew I would have to sit back, be patient and hope that this passion of mine would take off. 


And I'm so thankful that it did. Over this past year I have met so many incredible families, many of whom started out as blog readers! Many of whom I now consider friends. Many of whom have blessed me so much with the opportunity to capture a moment in their lives. 


Just this past weekend I had the honor of capturing one of my favorite families. Not only is the K Family a favorite of mine, but Colleen is one of my dearest friends whom I was so thankful to have met very early on in my nursing career. As a matter of fact, newborn pictures of her daughter Hailey was the first session I ever booked with little joys. 


It was only right that Hailey's First Year session be the final session I shot before taking the summer off as a kind of "maternity leave." 


I couldn't help but share some of my favorites as I wrap up this final session CD with a pretty little bow, knowing that the next time I sit down to edit pictures, they will likely be of our sweet brand new baby boy. 










That last set of pictures? That's Hailey wearing her Mama's wedding dress and the same flower that Colleen wore tucked into her bun on the day she said "I Do." I mean, really. Does it get any better than this?


So, Loyals.. the moral of the story? If there has ever been something you wanted to do- even the slightest glimmer of a dream you've had.. go for it. Do it. It may be more work than you ever imagined and heck, you may be up all night editing, but capturing baby's first smile? Shooting a brand new family of four? Spending a day with a couple who will soon welcome their first baby into the world? Priceless. And so, so worth it. 


26 comments :

  1. Happy 1 year anniversary and thank you for taking the most beautiful photos of our family! We've had so many compliments and I have a bunch of people who already asked for your information!!! You definitely have a talent!

    On pursuing crazy dreams...we are in that boat right now as Tim prepares to leave his job (one that he has been in for 12 years and for most of that time as an owner-sold in 09) and head back to school to work on his PhD. It's a bit crazy around here right now as we prepare for a potential out of state move...but it's now or never...the kids are young...we're young...go for it now!

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  2. Gorgeous photos! I just emailed my sister, I told her I have to take a picture of her little girl wearing her wedding dress. Such an adorable idea!!! <3

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  3. BEAUTIFUL JOB MOMMA! So glad you are enjoying this business of yours!!!! Can't wait to see pix of YOUR little bundle SOON!

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  4. Love those little chunky legs in her momma's high heels. To die for! I definitely will be contacting you to do maternity pictures this fall!

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  5. Happy Anniversary to one of your dreams come true!

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  6. Yay for you!! Seriously, as a fellow Photographer & business owner, it is tough to put yourself out there. But you gotta throw it all in because it can be so rewarding!!

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  7. That first picture is to die for - too cute! And it was almost like I needed to read this today ... I keep saying I am going to start a business but I am just scared of losing the stability that comes with a 9-5.

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  8. Congrats on reaching 1 year! That's awesome...and so are those photos! The high heel shoes? I die! :o)

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  9. Happy 1 Year and congrats on following your dream. Clearly you have an amazing gift as a photographer....your pics are so beautiful. Such a nice and inspirational blog. :)

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  10. Yay!! 1 year of taking amazing photos! I would hire u in a hot minute!

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  11. This is so awesome. I am so happy for you that you have found something you are passionate about that you can call "work." This post is very inspiring and I am hoping to find something like this as well! Congrats and those pictures are so beautiful!

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  12. So exciting! Congratulations and kudos to you for pursuing your dreams and taking time for you! You definitely have a gift!

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  13. Congratulations on one year!! The photos are so beautiful!! So happy for you!

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  14. Beautiful - love these! Congrats.

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  15. Way to go, AP! I sure don't know how you do it, though... Staying up late to chase a dream...? Oiy! I need sleep. Maybe one day soon I can talk myself in to it...

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  16. I die for the chubby legs in heels!!! Pinning this!

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  17. Beautiful pictures girl. :)
    You have such a talent.

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  18. You are so talented!

    It's so great to see people take the chance to live their dreams.

    Two years ago I started my own personal training company, and have reached some amazing milestones like local magazine covers. Sadly, my business isn't thriving enough to keep it past this year, but I'm so proud of myself for what i've accomplished and for taking the chance to pursue my dream.

    keep up the amazing work!

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  19. You have so much to be proud of! You are an amazingly talented photographer so naturally your business is probably doing well! I just ADORE the baby girl in her mama's wedding dress! I need to steal that idea for K! (sorry..lol)

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  20. Thank you for the encouraging words. You're definitely an inspiration. :)

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  21. those wedding dress pictures?? stunning. i may have to pull mine out and do that with E. of course, that would mean i would have to find my dress..

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  22. those photos are amazing! seriously you have a wonderful talent!!
    what an encouraging post! thank you, i needed this :)

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  23. I love the creative things you do! So precious - you have so much talent and it is an inspiration to see you do so well! You need to share more of your fun photos with us, because I love them!

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  24. Gorgeous photos! Love the wedding dress idea. I KNEW I saved mine for a reason, I just didn't know what it was.

    Oh, I guess now I need a baby girl, too.

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  25. You know I'm so very proud of you!! Way to pursue your dream momma-you are oh so talented!

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  26. Congrats on a great year!

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