LOVEe

Happy Birthday!!!

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Today is my birthday! Yeah for birthdays!!

For my birthday this year, I took 3 days off. 3 days for just myself to do whatever I want - and to celebrate of course!

Yesterday, I was having lunch at a small deli, and eating alone mind you, and one of the chef's came to my table and said, "I just wanted to say Thank You for sharing your photos with this city." I was obviously very flattered at such a random compliment, but I was also very humbled - and I continue to be humbled. As I thought about it some more, I began to realize how many people check back into this blog, log onto the facebook page and follow my nonsense on Twitter on a DAILY basis...and you keep coming back!!! My business is truly SO strong, partially because of the work I do, but even more from YOUR support!

Thank YOU! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you ALL for continually supporting me and my team and our dreams!

I've also spent some time reflecting on the AMAZING last year that I have had! We've accomplished SO much  - our team is growing, we launched a new brand and expanded our dreams to support Brandon, photographed some amazing editorial features (and my DREAM fashion shoot, which will come out November 1st!!!), and I personally purchased my Frye Boots this year, which to me was the equivalent of a Rolex...Yes, if I put it in these terms, I have done A LOT this last year.....However......

The momentum is growing for something much bigger than I can possibly comprehend at the moment, and I am SO excited!

I thought I would share with you some of my personal + professional goals for this next year...

~Create more of a work / life balance: This really is happening and I am feeling much better about 'shutting off work' when I leave the studio for the day! For all of us who own our own businesses, it's not simply a job, but rather a lifestyle. However, sometimes I need to tell myself that it is OK to take breaks....hence my 3 days off this week :0)

~Visit my friends, Often: I have THE best friends all around the world really! I am one REALLY lucky girl! I would love to see many of you much, much more, and I intend to do so!

~Get In Shape: Seriously, it is time! And I have some goals, starting with an indoor triathlon this winter (indoors because it's usually -22 degrees here in the winter....)

~Travel: I want to take a 3-4 week trip sometime during this next year to somewhere very exotic with a lot of adventure!! YESSS!!!

~Continue to Inspire People: This is the BEST compliment I have ever received. It is humbling, yet invigorating at the same time - there are BIG plans / projects that I will be working on over this winter that will hopefully up the inspire-anti in the photography industry! I never dream small...

~Push the Limits: I intend to REALLY, REALLY push the limits this year. From my team's abilities and what we can do together to my wedding work, commercial work and editorial work - and REALLY pushing the boundaries of what I am capable of!

~Ray LaMontagne: I MUST GO TO A CONCERT!!!!

~Make a Book: I've wanted to do this for a while as a personal project and it is already in the works! It's going to be filled with only photos, very fine art based.

~Remember Myself: And be the BEST possible person I can be for both myself and everyone who surrounds me!

Now, everyone, please raise your glass with me...CHEERS!

LOVEe
 

May I Have Your Attention, Please...

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This past week, while on the Bend [Trip], I had some time to think and discuss life, love and all it's possibilities with some wonderful women. Sometimes you don't realize something until you say it out loud. And I realized something BIG! I've felt frustrated with myself recently. As an artist, as a photographer and as a person. I couldn't figure out where or why I had these feelings, I mean, I have the best job in the world, right?

Then, I said it. I'm a people pleaser. I love to make people happy. And I know that my images make my client's dreams come true. However, the artist within me needs something more. I need to remember to make myself happy with my images to keep things fresh and creative. I need to make myself happy before I can continue to make others happy.

Thus, I have decided to take my blog back! I will continue to post images from weddings and all our other shenanigans,  but instead of posting images that I know my clients, magazine editors, etc will like, I am going to post the images that I personally LOVE!


"How many cares one loses when one decides not to be SOMETHING but to be SOMEONE."

~ Coco Chanel

Cheers to Happiness!

eliesa

Special thanks to Laura for this fabulous photo!