I love looking at the “Top Nine” most liked photos of the year. It’s a way to not only reflect on moments captured and memories made, but it also shows me what YOU connect with the most. I used to be so afraid to put myself out there. I was afraid of rejection and possibly, even more so, connection.
Connection meant that you were actually engaged. It meant that you cared about what I was putting out there and that also meant that I had an obligation. It was no longer about me and my work. Putting myself out there meant that every time I posted a photograph or to my blog, you were reading my words.
Maggie Shackelford is an incredible photographer birth and family photographer. We’ve been following each other for years and she recently shared her story of her second pregnancy on Motherly.
No, this is not my story, but it is a LARGE part of my fears in having my own children. Her words are so raw and true. As business owners, and women, it’s a huge sacrifice to have children. People like Maggie inspire me every day. I’ve been too afraid to take the leap because I’m so scared of what will happen to this business I’ve spent the last 10+ years creating. What if I’m so sick during my pregnancy that I can’t work? What if something happens to me or the baby? What about after the baby is born? How much will I have to give of myself? I know to a lot that sounds selfish, but it’s a constant thought in the back of my mind.
Maggie talks about how hard it really is and it’s okay to feel that way and talk about it. I just love her words, her art, and the fact that she’s so willing to share this with the world what women really face.
“Support small businesses”. This is something you see posted a lot on social media, or talked about in social settings. It really is every single client that keeps a small business owner afloat. Sarah Beth is one of those clients.
I’ve known Sarah Beth for several years. She first hired me to photograph a boudoir session of her, then her wedding, and again when she was pregnant with her second child. I got to witness her marry her loving husband and photograph her when she was carrying their child. Sarah Beth is a hair genius and has a lot of connections. I know that she could have very easily hired someone else for those events, but she chose me. She believes in my art and wants to make sure I flourish. This type of relationship builds my confidence, keeps me in business, and solidifies my decision to do what I do for a living. Not only that, but it allows us to build a trust. I’m able to show up and create art because I know that Sarah Beth believes in what I do, as she has hired me for three huge life events. She has become completely comfortable in front of my camera, and let’s face it, she’s a goddess (I mean, just view the photos).
This session was going to be different than the one Krysten did when she was pregnant with her first (Vada, seen pictured). Andrew, her husband, wasn’t going to be able to take part in these. While she really wanted him there, I love that it gave us the opportunity to focus on her. We made plans for Vada to be in some of the photographs, but I told Krysten that I really wanted most of the session to be about her and the new baby. Here is my reasoning:
