12 Years Photographing Joy | Thank you for your support

I can't believe we're celebrating 12 years in business today!! 

I was chatting with one of my clients yesterday after her baby's milestone session and we were speaking about the seasons we go through as Mom's. She has two young ones at home and I'm entering the tween and teen years and although the daily tasks of Moms change as the years go by, there is the constant of trying to do right by your kids.  Trying to be the best Mom.  Trying to tackle issues they may be facing.  And trying to breathe in every moment because the years feel long but the time is short. 

That's kind of how I feel about my business too. 

It's been 12 years since my husband and I said okay let's go for it. It's been a family effort from the start.  As my business grew, so did my family, so did my children and so did my husband and I as partners. 

It ebbs and flows, has its trials and tribulations like anything, but it's brought great joy to our family and to me personally.  Fulfilling a need for storytelling, for my love of fashion and design and for my love of children.

I think children are hilarious as they grow and I am fond of seeing their personalities when they are older (especially when they make up their own poses in the studio or outdoors during their family sessions). 

But little babies have my heart.  There is something about seeing a gummy grin, a twinkle in the eye or the sweet innocence of a newborn sleeping that pulls at my heartstrings. I’m definitely in the right line of business to meet so many little ones that bring joy to their families and fill my heart with hope for the future. 

It's really been the best of times, and honestly sometimes the stress of running your own business can be difficult (shout out to my self-employed clients out there hustling everyday for their families, trying to balance work and life).  But the joy I see on my clients' faces has been worth it.  Being a part of their family's story from the very start by capturing their journey to parenthood with my camera has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.  

There's something magical about seeing a Father's quick grin when his baby makes a funny face or noise.  

There's something magical about seeing a Mother's all encompassing love just flowing out of her for her new baby.  

There's something magical about capturing the utter joy of pregnancy and that happiness just fills up the studio and makes me remember the joy I felt when I was pregnant.  It's the best feeling in the world. I secretly miss it sometimes - loved those baby kicks.   

But the magic of childhood is something else entirely.  These little ones can make any frown turn upside down. And every one of them is so different, with their own expressions and personalities already showing at a very young age.  The expressions a newborn can make with their eyebrows would make you laugh out loud like I do.   Getting to capture the newness of their first year of life is such an honour that I appreciate so much.  These families trust me to capture their baby’s, but also trust that I will care for their children like they were my own.  And I do!  

So I just wanted to say thank you to all the family’s over the last 12 years who have trusted me with photographing the biggest moments of their lives.  I know there are a lot of photographer’s you could ask to capture your important milestones but I’m so grateful that you have asked me.  I remember each one of you and my family and I thank you for your support.  It means the world to us. 

I hope I will get to photograph you all again as your children grow!  

With love and a thankful heart,

Jen

P.s. Love the job you do and it will never feel like work…I have the best job!