2014: A Year of Connection and Gratitude

"Loving oneself is no easy matter...because it means loving all of oneself, including the shadow where one is inferior and socially so unacceptable. The care one gives this humiliating part is the cure...(but) the moral dimension can never be abandoned. Thus is the cure a paradox requiring two incommensurables: the moral recognition that these parts of me are burdensome and intolerable and must change, and the loving, laughing acceptance which takes them just as they are, joyfully, forever. One both tries hard and lets go, both judges harshly and joins gladly." ~ James Hillman (Psychologist)

I've fought in the battle of self-confidence and self-acceptance for pretty much my entire adult life (and even some parts of my childhood). Sometimes I feel great, and other times I wonder if I'm anywhere near where I'm "supposed" to be. But then again, where am I supposed to be? Really?

As I sit back and reflect on this very rhetorical question, and how I can change things during this universal time of contemplation and renewal, two thoughts come to mind. I'd like to share them both.

First, I've been using the wrong barometer, a very misguided source of measurement. Others. Yes, I'm a self-proclaimed compare-aholoic. I am going to be fully open right now and admit that this has been a life-long struggle for me. I look at others to determine who I should and should not be. While I think this is a natural human tendency, I don't want it to be a habit for me anymore. I realize that this draw toward comparison will never fully disappear, but it can become a rare struggle rather than a regular one. 

The only way I will gain more confidence is to take stock in who I am, where I am at, and where I am going. I have to stop comparing my outtakes to others' highlights. Instead of judging others, I want to get to know them. Because, as I've learned through the experience of mentors with more life experience than me, the only way to combat this evil addiction is to connect to others - to form bonds, share empathy, and live life right alongside them. I want to use these struggles to create connection with others. 

Second, I need to make gratitude a daily habit. Gratitude is the enemy of comparison (thank you for this realization Brene Brown). It took me a long time to really "get" this concept. When I am grateful, I focus on the fact that who I am and what I have is more than enough. I no longer need to wish; I can be filled with joy and gratitude exactly where I'm at. Because joy and gratitude are not results, they are dispositions. Gratitude and joy don't present themselves because something great happens; something great happens because I am full of joy and gratitude. 

Now, I'm not saying this in a "if I just focus on the good, nothing bad will ever happen" mindset. That is just silly. I've lived long enough to understand that life is not a cake-walk. But I have noticed that the more I make gratitude and connection the two things I strive for, the more fulfilling and joyful life becomes. 

So as we begin this new year full of hope, possibility, and mystery (in just a matter of hours!) I make this resolution: to connect rather than compare; to approach life with gratitude rather than expectations, and to use myself as the new barometer for growth. 

A Look Back at 2013

"We often overestimate how much we can accomplish in a single day, yet we generally underestimate how much we can accomplish in a year if we make just a little progress every day." ~ Jean Chatzky

Whether or not I realized it, this was the theme for 2013. The list of things we have to be thankful for this year is just enormous - and awe-inspiring if we really allow ourselves to stop and reflect on it. We have both grown leaps and bounds as individuals, as Christians, as photographers, as business-owners, as friends, as family members, and as a team. Too many lessons and memories to count! 

But the most funny part about it is this: if you asked me, on any given day, if I accomplished everything I had planned, my answer would probably be no. I guess that's the "achiever" in me. But when I allow myself to take stock of all that has happened in 2013, I realize the wisdom in this quote!

Of course, we still have lots of ways we want to keep on improving, but we'll worry about that come 2014. For now, let's stop, take a breath, and talk about the highlights from 2013. 

• 22 photography sessions. Yeah, 22. That's almost 2 per month! And that doesn't even count the thousands upon thousands of photos we took while living life, traveling, and enjoying good company. Whew!
• 7 weddings. Say, what?!? And each one was such an incredible experience. Beautiful couples, special moments, and so much love. 
• Our first styled shoot! And I have to say, we're planning on more of those next year with some themes that are near and dear to our hearts!
• Countless customers-turned-friends. Seriously. That's one of our favorite parts about this business. It allows us to meet so many incredible people!
• New support networks! This year brought with it several amazing photographer friends who constantly inspire, challenge, and encourage us. Such an immense blessing. 
• Improved branding and web presence. This year, we redesigned the blog and are in the process of getting a shiny new website. We'll be launching in early 2014 and can't wait to show the world the new face of our business. 
• Growth! I am constantly amazed when I think about how much we've learned about lighting, composition, technique, editing, and ourselves. 

So here's to a 2014 full of love, laughter, growth...and LOTS of pictures!

Our First Styled Shoot!

We've been waiting patiently to post photos from this amazing session because it was in the running to be featured on some local blogs. And guess what? It was featured on one of our favorites - Capitol Romance!

This was the first styled shoot Greg and I were able to participate in, but it will not be our last. It was such a fun time, partnering with and promoting other incredibly talented vendors in the industry.

First, there was the brains behind the whole operation, Senta of B. Mingled Weddings & Events. She had the vision and brought the urban, modern flair! And she is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet!

Next, was the gorgeous venue, Longview Gallery. It fit the urban, modern vibe perfectly and offered a large, but intimate space. The moody lighting really added to the overall feel. And they had an enclosed patio out back surrounded by rustic buildings. What an awesome place to hold an event!

We also had a lot of fun watching the make-up artist, JuliePage. What a talented, hilarious, and photogenic woman! She made our already gorgeous models look absolutely stunning.

The floral arrangements, made by EightTreeStreet, were amazing. Our personal favorite was the tree centerpiece - we could have photographed it all day!

And finally, none of this would have been possible without our two awesome models - Rialand & Esther. Both of these individuals are as gifted and authentic as they are photogenic! Rialand is the owner of RJ's Music Service, and Esther is an accomplished actress and dancer.

Thanks to everyone! We can't wait to work with you all again soon!