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.