What better way to start my blog than celebrating my first year of being a full time photographer in Hertfordshire.
Thinking back to this time last year when I had decided to leave my employer of 13 years, I was entering the month with mixed feelings - excitement, a fresh energy, raring to go...but also worry and trepidation. Had I made the right decision? The risk of creating my own sole income, with no set wage to fall back on. Will I book enough sessions and be able to make this work?
It definitely hasn't been easy, however I can hand on heart say I couldn't have worked harder than I have this past year. I am over the moon that it has been a huge success - I have surpassed initial goals I had set for this year and can honestly say BEST DECISION EVER!
I'm a great believer in fate and sometimes things are meant to be, so last summer, when all the signs were pointing for me to take the jump and head into being my own boss full time, I knew it was now or never. Having been a part time freelance photographer for 15 years, the time was right to make that push - I was finding I didn't have enough time to dedicate to the ever growing needs of my business being employed part time and something had to give. The working late nights and not being fully present for my daughter (having newly started her school) was not sustainable for me (mentally and physically.) Creating my own business has given me the chance to build my own life, my own working days but importantly ensuring more of the work/life balance I desperately craved.
And I'm very aware that is also down to YOU my lovely clients! You have all been so supportive of me, for a long time now. No way could I have done this without you so a HUGE thank you to each and every one of you - along with fellow business owners who I have connected with, who cheer me on front the sidelines, and every one who is with me on this journey.
Over the last year so many exciting and positive things have been happening, which you will have seen across my social media pages, but the icing on the cake was the makeover of my photography studio in St Albans. Check out the photos below to see my space and read more about this revamp.....
My St Albans studio, my little work home in Hertfordshire where I create your beautiful memories. It's been my base for 16 years and was in desperate need of an upgrade, or as I like to call it, a huge glow up! Initially, I was only going to improve the flooring (it's been on my wish list for a long time and going full time felt like the right time to invest in this), however, once I started, I decided to give it all a huge makeover, as I knew I wouldn't be doing this again for a while!
The white and black brick walls have been repainted, there's nothing like the smell of fresh paint to make things feel new. Painting the grey wall white to lighten the space. A beautiful new wood laminate flooring, replacing the old and tired vinyl sheets. A gorgeous new lush sofa. Beautiful new images and displays for the wall. New storage solutions, making life easier for me when working. These things all helped to make the space more 'me' and my style, rather than not evolving with me and my work over time. Adding little touches, such as my social media link sign. These little details have all been carefully thought out and considered and I love every single bit. I really do love working in this new improved space and feel so lucky to have it.
If you're a previous client, I hope you will love seeing the improved space on your next visit and if you haven't worked with me before, I can't wait to welcome you to my newly refreshed studio space, please get in touch to discuss the services I offer and how we can create your own set of beautiful memories with me.
(Moving video/reel of the studio with before and afters to come on social media accounts soon)
