That quote is from a new devotional I’ve started; Thirty-one days of prayer for the dreamer and the doer – both of which I consider myself to be. Almost 8 years ago a seed was planted in my heart to start a business with the photography passion I love so deeply. It has climbed higher than I could have ever imagined and I am thankful for the blessings of a flourishing business and support from not only the people in my life, but the community we live in.
But what happens when that dream becomes heavy? When you look at that quote above – how do you define the word “burden”? Something bothersome? Something unwanted? For a long time that was how I defined the word burden too. But, I’ve learned that God says otherwise. He gives a dream, or a “burden”, and reminds us that it will be heavy, but with His help and guidance, it will grow – so lean on Him because He has entrusted it to us. Without His saving grace, all dreaming and doing is in vain.
So, why am I saying all this? For a long time, I really just wanted to grow a successful business. I was ambitious. I thought I could do it all. I would often times pile an overloading amount of work on my plate taking every client or booking that came my way, and then power through it relying on my own strength to get me by. At the end of a season, I would feel drained. Exhausted. At one point, it took a severe toll on my own personal life and my family. This past year as the holidays were winding down I got very sick. I had to stop everything I was doing with work and family and just — rest. I knew at that point He was saying to me (with neon flashing signs) “You’re done.”
Throughout 2014 I have been praying for a direction with this business, and listening to the calling God has placed in my heart. My life has felt unbalanced – a heavy work load and not enough time for my growing family. He has shown me it’s time to trim back the excess and allow new growth to begin.
As of February 1st, I will be cutting back and refocusing and restructuring my business. So what does this entail?
*okay, deep breath*
I will no longer be offering regular portrait sessions to new clients. Weddings and engagements will be my main focus. Regular sessions will still be offered to any and all past clients. If you’ve ever shot with me, you can always schedule a shoot – no matter what the category. One thing I have always loved is being able to watch families grow and be able to help capture that story over many years.
I will still be offering mini shoots throughout the year here and there; and always, always offering Christmas shoots to EVERYONE. (Mini sessions offered throughout the year are open to everyone as well!)
And the last bit of news that I am so excited to share- I will be starting one-on-one mentoring courses for those who would like to grow in their photography.
This new balance will allow me to focus more deeply on God first, more time with my family, and deeper connections with my clients.
I am so excited to being this new path of my business journey, and I can’t wait to see what God has planned along the way.
If you are still in need of a family, maternity, senior or newborn photographer and are not a past client of mine – please still feel free to reach out to me! I know a wonderful group of photographers here locally who I would recommend to anyone hands down!
Thank you for allowing me to share my heart with you!
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