Say Cheese!

Good morning! Today I am excited to share that I'm apparently launching a photography business??! For the past few months I've really been stepping it up with whipping out the "fancy camera" to get snapshots of our days, the kids, events, nature... instead of just using the good ol' handy dandy Iphone/Instagram combo. It's been so easy to use a phone the last few years to get pictures of things you don't want to miss, but I feel like those pictures just end up on Facebook and there they stay. The quality just isn't there to blow up and frame. It's been in the back of my mind for awhile that I really want pictures that I'll have 20 years down the road. I also really don't want those photos to be grainy miniature phone pictures. So, I've made it a point to utilize a legitimate camera. 

Well, since I've been taking photos, people have been noticing. And complimenting. And encouraging me to do more with what has just been a goal to get better pictures. If you know me, you know that I have a hard time taking compliments. I brush them off, joke, and then change the subject. But in reality every little nugget of encouragement has settled into my heart that I won't easily forget. It's gotten me to think... well what if? What if I can turn this into a career? What if I get really good at it? Will I be successful? Will I be able to do something I enjoy and turn it into a profitable business?

I'm not a big risk taker when it comes to trying to do something new and putting myself out there. I can try new things all of the time, but if my heart is in it.. If I'm really putting art out there to potentially be critiqued, criticized or rejected, it's personal. I don't have a lot of myself invested in a way where I feel vulnerable to people's opinions. Can anyone else relate? I'm sure that's how most people feel who pursue art or music or just anything that gives others a view into their life in an intimate way. 

With all of that being said... I'm going for it! I'm taking the leap and going to be learning more about what I've enjoyed doing as a hobby and try turning it into a possible career. The ones who are closest to my heart and have my best interest in mind are behind me cheering me on. If no one else thinks that what I'm choosing to do will be successful or that I'm not good at what I'd like to do, then that's OKAY. Right now it doesn't seem okay and it seems a little scary but this is just another one of those pesky life lessons. 

Acceptance of myself and talent I have. 
Perseverance to continue to do what I enjoy through learning curves and negativity. 
Confidence that I will grow, learn and eventually be great at a gift I have in photography.

Here we go! :)

  

Fall La La La La!!!

Fall is easily my favorite time of year. There are so many Pinterest posts about the leaves changing, hot drinks, crisp air, sweaters, leggings etc. etc. etc. Yea. Just try and name one person who doesn't love fall. I don't know about you but raking up leaf piles to jump in, scooping up handfuls to throw at my husband up in the air and basically frolicking around outside all day is STILL fun to me. I hope I never feel too old for that. With this fall upon us, we've also come to adopt a new child in the form of a camera. She comes with me hanging off of my neck everywhere we go. I love her. I think I might have this irrational fear I'll miss some great shots of the kiddos in all this fall glory! Like it will go away too soon or never come again. I know fall comes evveerry year. Wouldn't you think we'd be used to it by now? Here's our life in a few snapshots over the last few weeks! :) Hope you all are having a fabulous fall week!

What does the fox say? Anyone?

My little raccoon needing a vice grip to take a stinkin picture with his mama!

XO,

Shaylynn