It’s been a tough year
When my first child was born, an older lady came up to me in tears & said, “Please be with your babies as much as you can. I missed my children’s childhood because I was too absorbed in my work.” I nodded, grinned, and thought she was insane.
2009 has been tough. I’ve had some AMAZING photography opportunities, but I’ve been completely 100% consumed with work. I shoot all weekend & spend from around 8:00am-12:00am (or later) editing every day of the week. I’m exhausted. I’ve been pulling this schedule since before April. Praise God I’ve had so many photography friends that have stepped up & helped me out TREMENDOUSLY. But my children have grown up.. 1 year is a long time for a 2 & 3 year old. I see pictures from last year & tear up because I’ve missed a year of their lives for work, and now that lady isn’t so insane to me.
I love photography, I love my clients, but my personal life has gone down the tubes this year. I almost lost my marriage, I miss my 2 baby boys that aren’t babies anymore.. I miss my friends. BUT.. with the workload I’ve had, I can’t shoot constantly & keep up with all of the editing. I’ve stayed behind on work this year despite the 7 day work weeks & praise the Lord for the understanding of all my clients.
Ahh… I’m in love with evoke, but I’m so emotionally & physically bankrupt. So.. I’m learning to take breaks, which can only mean less shooting. This winter I’ve decided not to accept anymore jobs & 2010 will be a limited amount of weddings and boudoirs. It’s time for me to be more of a wife and a mom.
Thank you to my 2009 clients for being so patient and understanding. Thank you to my friends for being there for me 100% of the time and helping me out so much. Thank you to my mother for keeping me strong. Thank you to my children for the kisses & hugs and to my husband for hanging in there despite the problems.
And for bearing with such a wordy post, here’s a pic of my supportive little family - a photo taken a year ago of course because I haven’t taken the time for a family pic this year yet. Thank you Ken for taking this last year!!
Here’s a group shot of all my amazing friends that have helped me this year
And another shot of my awesome friends.. plus my makeup looks hot here. Thanks Elizabeth!
Comments
I am so proud of you.
I am so proud of this post.
I am proud to be featured on it as a person that LOVES you.
By ashley on Sep 04, 2009
yea!!!! i’m glad you’re blocking off your schedule for real. i’m excited for you and your family!! and your makeup does look very hot in the last photo.
By amanda on Sep 04, 2009
That has to be a tough decision, but it is the right one! You will always be in demand as a photographer, but your husband and children are priceless and to be cherished daily. Love you!
And I still pass by those peacock Chucks in the mall if you decide you want them, haha!
By Bethany on Sep 07, 2009
You are amazing… Good for you for realizing and making a change! Lucky little boys…
By Nicole Faby on Sep 08, 2009
This is a post I will take to heart. You’re a true inspiration, April.
By tim on Sep 09, 2009