Wow, does it feel weird to be writing this again. It’s been a long time since I sat down at the computer and wrote what’s on my mind. I honestly don’t know if this will return naturally or if I was ever good at it. A lot has changed for me, and I’m sure you, in the past 3 years. The biggest update (no, still no babies ha) is I went back to school! This blog will detail what I’ve been up to and where I plan on going.

What I’ve been up to.

Let’s go through a timeline. March of 2019 changed a lot of things for a lot of people. For those of you who don’t know, photography is not my only job. Thankfully, I work for a great company that is essential so we’ve been good financially. And honestly, still doing great. It’s weird to say that because I know that many people weren’t but our family took 2019 as the opportunity to relax, save money, and we bought a house (right before the market went crazy). 

It’s really hard to smush 3 year down, but for the most part it was a time of peace. I have yet to write about this but up until 2019 my husband struggled with addiction. It was, honestly, the most horrifying and chaotic experience I’ve ever had to go through. One day I’ll tell the entire story but I’ve found this new, sober phase of our lives to be peaceful and I’m really fortunate to have a happy and healthy husband.

What About Photography?

As you’d imagine, these past few wedding seasons have not been what they used to be. Fortunately we are somewhat back to a new normal, but I let my photography business settle for a while. While still taking on any wedding or portrait I could, I stopped blogging and obsessively listening to podcasts. I let my Instagram settle for a while too so I could spend more time with my family and obsessing over Taylor Swift rather than obsessing over a number that is so insignificant. It felt really strange when I started my 2022 season to be back at a wedding that felt so normal. It honestly felt like a breath of fresh air.

So I Went Back To School

I’ve never been good at being stagnant. In school I worked hard to get good grades so I could be one of the best students in my class. Then in college I wanted to prove to everyone around me that I am a worthy photographer. Then I opened a photography business right out of to prove to myself that I do belong in this space.

When COVID came around photography didn’t feel like it could turn into a full time option, and I’m not sure if it will in the future. I felt pretty insignificant in my day job and failed at advancing, at the time, in my company. Que quarter life crisis…. the second round. I had no freaking clue what I was going to do with my life but I know I was not content. Que best friend, who told me that I am wasting my potential in life. I had always wanted to go back to school and finish my bachelors degree in Graphic Design. Luckily I was already close because I minored in it at Carroll University. For those of you who don’t know, I already have my bachelors in photography from there, you can read about in in my blog Why I’ll Never Regret Going to College.

So I did.

I said “F it!” not worrying about how I would pay for it or how I would fit classes into my schedule. I applied to go back to school. And back to school I went. I still have moments where I ask myself what the heck am I doing? I’ve always enjoyed school and I always knew I wanted to go back…. I just finally did it.

What’s next?

Continuing to do photography will always be a priority for me. I love wedding photography and I’m excited to continue to grow that business. But I think continuing education is also in my bones. I love to learn and being in school just feels natural to me. It’s indescribable but I’ve always felt that I’ve been pushed in a certain path, whether it’s by God or whatever you believe in. I felt like Richard was the end game for me the moment I met him. I feel, deep down in my should that I am meant to continue my education journey. 

I know that sounds bizarre, but I also know that everything happens for a reason and I am destined for more. I have one year until I finish my next degree and then it’s continuing education and photography.