Where I am in life right now

I feel like I have come out of a thick, dark photo session fog.  The past 3-4 months are like a blur to me.  It was by far the busiest fall season I have ever experienced in my business.
Now that I'm out of the fog I can reflect back on what I did right and what I need to improve on, both professionally and personally.  I do know that I don't ever want to experience another season like the last.   Not at home and not at work.


I spent the last few days at a Professional Photographers Association conference in New Orleans learning new techniques, photoshop skills,  and connecting with others in the industry. OH, and eating TONS of delish New Orleans cuisine.  PLEASE let my jeans fit again someday soon!


I focused on nothing but photography while there and it made me remember why I do what I do - which I feel like I forgot.  I never took pictures for praise, awards, or even for money.  I have always loved being able to capture life, simply...life. I want every image I capture to be a piece of art, a memory captured, and a historical print.  An image (print) is NOT just a piece of paper.  In order to create these images it takes time.  I REALLY wish I had more time.
In order to get back to being the photographer that I have always wanted to be, I have to make some big changes in my business.


Here is what you will see different:
--- I won't schedule more than 3 sessions per week.  In order to devote the 8-10 hours I spend on each session I can't take on any more.  Most clients don't realize that after the 2 hour session I spend approximately 8 more hours on the post processing part of it.  When I schedule 10 sessions a week, like I did this fall (I can't say no) I either end up working 20 hour days / 7 days a week or doing half ass work.  Both are unacceptable.
---Your session will now include the gallery disc.  That means that you will get all the edited, digital images that were taken at your session.  95% of my clients purchased the gallery disc anyways, so this will simplify the process and my life.  You won't have to stress over whichever images to print at whatever sizes to display on wherever walls.  You will have all the images forever. 
The fee for the session and gallery disc will be $675.  In 2011 it was $650, but because I will be investing more time in each image there will be a slight increase in cost.  You will still have the option to purchase a la carte items like prints, canvases, print boxes, cards, etc. through my lab, which is the best professional lab out there.
--- I will continue to do what I love, and that is give back to the community and raise awareness of needs.   Only accepting 3 clients a week allows me to have time to donate sessions, which brings me joy.  I don't ever want to be too busy to turn away these opportunities.
--- My first priority is my family.  I have 4 children.  I don't ever want to put them on the back burner like I have done.  Photography is not worth it.  Don't get me wrong - I LOVE photography and sometimes I use my photo sessions to escape my kids ;-), but with one already in high school, they all will be out of the house soon and I don't want them to remember me always gone to photo sessions.


So, with that said, these changes I feel will allow me to serve you better and keep my creativity fresh and my relationships strong.  


Much love,
Amy