5 Life & Business Lessons 2021 Taught Me | Chicago Family Photographer

The last couple of years have been a pretty wild ride for everyone, and I’m no exception! Constant changes in the world due to the pandemic and growth and HAPPENINGS in my business, 2021 was quite the year. Despite the challenges 2021 threw our way, I also learned a few valuable life and business lessons that are helping me pave the way for positivity, success, and happiness in 2022.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS I’M TAKING FROM 2021 INTO 2022.

1. Quality Far Outweighs Quantity

One of the most important life and business lessons I’ve learned in the past year has been that quality is much more important than quantity when it comes to my work and who I serve. In 2021, I made a few changes to my business (thanks to mentoring with Suzy at Simply by Suzy!), including focusing on clients who share my vision and understand my work’s value. 

The photography I love doing–the sessions that make me so passionate about what I do–tells stories. I see sessions more as experiences because it’s where we get to document what makes each family unique. I get to capture families who want more than a quick smiling snapshot but artful imagery of who they are and what’s important to them.

Photography is so much more than a hobby to me. It’s been a bit of an obsession of mine for a long time! I started taking photos and learning about photography when I took it up my freshman year of high school. I took my fascination with visual art and photography to the next level when I studied fine arts at Indiana University. Then, I completed post baccalaureate masters classes in Visual Communications at Loyola University. 

Working with clients who understand the value of my decades of experience, and share my vision for capturing authentic memories of their families, is an absolute dream come true for me.

2. Processes Are Important 

Last year, putting some key processes in place made a big difference for me as a creative and business owner! Prioritizing processes has been one of my most valuable life and business lessons. They help me do my job better, serve my clients well and enjoy what I do even more.

For starters, scheduling pre-session consultations and Facetime calls with my clients is a really helpful first step with new clients. It gives us a chance to get to know each other, talk about their session and what’s important to them, and answer any questions off the bat. I find these conversations really help clients get comfortable working with me and confident going into their shoot.

Another key process to serving clients and creating my vision for their sessions is learning everything I can about each family I work with. No one family is the same: Every family is unique, made up of special people who share a one-of-a-kind story. Part of what helps capture authentic images of each family is learning that story!

Anyone who works with kids knows that connecting with them and getting to know them helps create a successful experience! That’s why I’ve made it one of my priority processes. By finding out what the kids in my clients’ families like to do and what they’re interested in, I can open the door to genuine connections with them. That way, they’re more likely to have fun at their session, and I can photograph them with a perspective on their individual personalities!

3. Perfection Isn’t Always What’s “Perfect.”

I love those dreamy perfect photos as much as anyone. When the light’s just right, everyone’s smiling and laughing with each other, and not a hair is out of place. Let’s be honest, though: How often do those “perfect,” scripted moments happen in real life for most families? I know it’s rare for mine!

One of my favorite life and business lessons I’ve taken to heart this past year has been that perfection isn’t always what’s perfect. Real life, and the real moments that families share, are beautiful in their own right. 

Some of the most treasured photos I’ve had the pleasure of capturing over the years have been of unexpected moments. Like when a toddler does something LOL-worthy during their family’s session, or a whole family erupts in laughter together.

So, of course, those picture-perfect moments are certainly wonderful to see and capture when we can. But the incredible moments in between are equally magical. And to me, they’re just as perfect.

4. The Pandemic Made Us Appreciate Each Other More

At times it might not feel like much good has come out of the pandemic. But one of the most valuable life and business lessons I’ve taken away from this experience is that families want to feel connected. Maybe more than ever, we all treasure the people we love. We want to hold onto the moments and connections we share. 

This past year, it felt like people wanted to document their real lives… and with gratitude. Time spent apart has made us appreciate time together so much more, and that grateful energy has radiated off of the families I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

I really hope that feeling of gratitude and appreciation continues and that I get to keep capturing it in my clients’ sessions! As for the pandemic… Well… It’s safe to say that it can go on its merry way. 

5. The New Year Will Share a New Me!

It’s such a great feeling to start a new year feeling so good about my brand and how I’m sharing my business with all of you! A significant life and business lesson I’ve learned from the past year is just how important it is to feel great about how I present my business and my work. 

I started 2022 finally feeling like my brand tells my story and shows my authentic personality. My business’s new look and feel is very “me” and gives my clients a true understanding of the premium work I can produce for them.

A big reason I can proudly put my business forward is that I’ve worked with a fantastic brand and web designer, Alex, at Sonrisa Studio. She truly understands who I am and what’s important to me and my business. Alex created branding that expresses exactly what my business stands for, and I love getting to share my new brand, now!

LET’S GO, 2022!

After a year of so much growth, I’m really excited to see where 2022 takes me! One thing’s for sure: I’m going to keep doing what I love and what I’ve worked hard to do well, for amazing clients. 

I’d love to help your family tell your authentic story in 2022! Contact me to learn how we can work together to capture your unique connections and all of the micro-moments!

 XO