As I get older Birthdays seem to be more about reflection and less about cakes and confetti. As I celebrate my birthday today, I look at my work and my business and I can see how far I’ve come. Around this time last year I was delivering the photos to the clients from my very first wedding and I was getting prepared for my second wedding. I know my artistic and photographic skills have evolved tremendously over the past year. I’ve also decided that I want to focus on weddings and portraits, I’ve embraced a fine art approach with my work, and I’ve decided that I love shooting film and will continue to do so.

Every artist gets better with time and practice, but those photos from my first few weddings are still some of my favorites. Why? Because I love those people. I love the fact that they recognized my talents and trusted me enough to document their wedding day. It’s amazing and humbling that these couples put that kind of trust in me; that they saw my potential. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if they hadn’t. I’m so thankful for these couples, and I’m thankful and love every couple that I’ve had ever since then.

I’ve also made some amazing friends in the industry who I have learned so much from. Everyone tells you to surround yourself with people who inspire you, who can teach you, and who you can trust. I’ve been incredibly blessed to have gotten to know some of this area’s most amazing photographers and I’ve learned so much from them. Not just the technical aspects of film and photography, but I’ve also learned about the other things that go into running a business. I’ve seen how these photographers pour themselves, their talents, and their love into their clients and it’s inspired me to do the same.

So as I blow out the candles this year, I’m keeping these people in my heart and my wish is that next year will be even more incredible as I continue to grow, spend time with these amazing people, take on new clients, and remember to be humble and thankful.