So Thankful

DC Area Photographer

It’s almost Thanksgiving, which is a natural time to be thinking of what we are thankful for. While I try to keep these thoughts in my heart year round, I wanted to take this opportunity to express how grateful I am for the year I’ve had.

Who thought a little stress (OK, major stress) could transform into something so fulfilling and purposeful? A year ago I was experiencing serious health problems that were exacerbated by stress. Stress I was aware of and stress my eyes were eventually opened to. I had to make some changes. A lot of changes.

It was explained to me that stress may never truly go away, but the best thing to do to mitigate stress is fill your life with passion, with love. What was I passionate about? I could think of two things that light a fire in my soul: cooking & photography.

That realization changed my life. I am so incredibly grateful for that realization and the person who brought it to my attention.

From there I was on the fast track to turning my passion for photography into a business. From the beginning I couldn’t see the path but I could see the light. The light was my business – having something in my life that not only set my soul on fire, but something I could make a living from as well. And enjoy myself while I’m doing it! I had the light, the fire, and created my own path with help from a lot of people along the way. People who believed in me and helped me believe in myself.

I am so grateful to my friends & family who have supported me by being guinea pigs in front of my camera. For trusting me enough to capture special occasions and moments for them to treasure for years to come. For loving my work and being such great sports as to allow me to plaster their beautiful faces all over my website! haha

I’m grateful for all of my clients – those of you who I had never met before but are now a part of my journey. You took a chance on an up-and-coming photographer and I hope it paid off for you! I swear I have the best, friendliest, most gung-ho clients and feel so lucky to have captured each and every one of you.

I’m grateful for the networking groups I’m a part of – the Arlington Referral Team of BNI and the Rising Tide Society. There is so much encouragement, positivity, and community present in every interaction with these groups. It’s so nice to be around people who truly want to see you succeed and whom you feel the same way about.

I’m grateful for the creative professionals I’ve worked with this year.  From collaborating with Style Me Thrifty and Chelsea B Design Studios, to working with Abbey Ashley, and those who I’ve happily referred business to, it’s been a true pleasure to work with people who love what they do and give it their all.

Thank you to all of you. <3

OK, enough with the mushiness! Below are some autumn photos from this year and years past.

Happy Thanksgiving!!