Introducing the NEWEST Team Member! | Business

Introducing the NEWEST Team Member! | Business

I never thought I would say this about myself, but I like working alone. I thrive when I can make my schedule, decide my task list, and check it off when and where I want to. Before Willow came I worked all over Hampton Roads, from one coffee shop to the next, and now that she's here the flexibility I have is a beautiful thing and what I always dreamed of. I never factored other people into my business and always thought I would run this by myself.

Over the years I have seen many other solopreneurs bring on part-time team members to do everything from social media to blogging to editing images and everything in between. I was curious how it worked and began to envision myself hiring someone in the future as my business grew. The only thing I came back to, though, time and time again, was that if I were to hire anyone I would want it to be in my family. I didn't know how this would work or when and if it would happen, but I hoped the time would come…

Features + Embarrassment: The Tidewater and Tulle Journal | Business

Features + Embarrassment: The Tidewater and Tulle Journal | Business

A few weeks ago I shared on social media that I had my second ever print feature (click here to see my first one) in the inaugural edition of the Tidewater and Tulle Journal. It was a hugely exciting day for me (and this amazing wedding blog!) and I was so proud to shout it from the rooftops. The reality, however, is a little different, so while I want you to share in the excitement of this moment, I also want to peel back the layers for a more behind-the-scenes look at what actually happens to get to a wedding feature.

I submit nearly every single wedding I photograph - some to national publications, some to local, and some to both...and honestly, the success is varied. I wrote about how often the features depend more on seasons and trends than the beauty of a wedding or its photography, and so it's somewhat rare to get featured on my first submission. For this particular wedding, I just knew I could find somewhere HUGE for it, so I submitted with great confidence and hope to a national wedding blog...

A Day to Retreat | Business

A Day to Retreat | Business

It's something I've thought about over and again but I've never actually done: a personal retreat day. In the business of life I often realize how much I need to slow down and take some time to remember why I'm doing what I'm doing, re-prioritize, and refocus on the things that matter most. With my mother-in-law on spring break from school and more than willing to watch Willow for the day, I took the opportunity to plan it out - and oh am I so grateful that I did!

As I thought about the day, I knew I needed a solid plan. If I had at least a rough schedule I would be far more productive than if I just went to sit outside and think or pray. With that in mind, I wrote down what I thought my day would look like...