The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose. She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business. She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else. She LOVED nursing! Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again. As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.
I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching. I loved that no two days were ever the same. I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose. I loved the students and coworkers. But I did not love the schedule. I felt very confined. When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.
I absolutely LOVE being a photographer! I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes. I love making my own schedule. I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come. I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions. But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them! I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family! For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."
TANA AND LAYLA
Meet Tana and Layla, the gorgeous mother and daughter that I am lucky enough to photograph every year since 2015! At that time Layla was so little, just two years old! She was so full of energy and really made us work for each and every shot! Since that first session at Tonkawa Falls in 2015, I have captured their incredible bond in four other sessions. Layla is now five and has the same beautiful smile as she did when I first met her! This year’s session was a little different for them. And Layla was a little jealous. This year’s session included Tana’s fiance, Guthrie, in some of the poses. The two will soon be married and Layla is still trying to learn how to share her mommy. I absolutely love being their family photographer and I am looking forward to many more years of capturing their memories!
2015 - Family Session. An adorable two year old, Layla.
2016 - Family Session. This session was so sweet! Like momma, like daughter…absolutely stunning!
2017 - Fairytale Session. Layla had a birthday approaching and it was going to be Princess and the Frog (her favorite) themed so she had a session where she dressed up and posed like Tiana.
2017 - Family Session. For this session they ventured out to Limestone County for a rustic session at the family ranch.
2018 - Family/Engagement Session. Layla is a little jealous about having to share her mom nowadays!
Tana and Layla (and Guthrie) are the PERFECT clients! They value photography and understand the importance of capturing the memories of their family over the years. We are comfortable around each other, which really shines in their images. Days after this session I saw a job posting Tana posted and at that time I had two kids (adult kids) looking for jobs. I sent them her way and she put them to work! I can’t thank her enough for that. Seriously!
“Let what you love be what you do.”
THIS IS THE THIRD FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES. CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!