Google Results

Monday, January 3, 2011

2011 brings new things

It's a new year, and with that many of us take time to contemplate the changes that need to come in our lives. Changes that will help us to be better people, both internally and externally. I have set my goals for 2011 already, but what I really want to talk to you about is 2010.

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know that 2010 was really a year of discovery for me. I had the yearning inside of me to figure out who I was as a photographer, and where I wanted to take my business and my art (my heart). I wanted to find value in what I was doing, I wanted to be challenged, I wanted to feel alive. Because of this I took on some new challenges. I opened studio space. I looked at partnering up with another photographer. I attended WPPI, a photography convention, in Las Vegas early on in the year. I went to photography user group meetings, networked with other photographers at meetups, I took small business courses online, and heart courses online, and went to two different photography workshops to better my skills and learn to listen with my heart. I read books, I bought and sold equipment. I tried new things, new approaches, and I furthered my knowledge of the camera, of light, and of my heart. 2010 also happened to be a really successful year with many new clients and many repeat clients. I set my dates out in July for the fall, and filled up through the end of the year in July! Needless to say, it's been a very, very busy year.

And I learned.

And I learned, and I learned, and I learned. It's truly magnificent that when you go searching for something, you find answers. And it took me a year to find my answers. But really longer, because this entire photography-inspired journey has been one of growth and learning. One of success and failure. And I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I have been for the experiences I have had. For the people I have met. The stories I've heard. So many of YOU have directly changed me and my approach to life. I am forever blessed because of that.

While I started 2010 thinking I would grow my business, expand, hire on employees, I have left 2010 realizing that I need to do just the opposite. And this is so bittersweet to say, but I have decided that for now, my place is at home with my family, focusing on the people in my life that mean the most. And with that, my official Joanna Taylor Photography business will be retiring. For now. For how long, I do not know. I want to express my sincere appreciation for the support I have received from so many of you. Blog comments, emails, inspiration in so many different ways. My heart has been so deeply touched, it has changed. More than anything else, I have learned that although we are different, unique people, we are the same. This human connection that ties us together is a beautiful, wonderful thing. If we hold to that goodness, and see that goodness in one another, our lives will be forever improved. And so will the lives of those around us.

I will continue to work on personal artistic projects, and I hope to share them here. One of my own projects that has been dear to my heart is highlighted below. I worked on this months ago. My thanks to Mallory and Josh for modeling for me. A beautiful couple, so much in love. Thank you for putting your wedding gear back on, and traveling out in the heat to the Salt Flats, just so I could try out some new things.

Of course, if you want to find me, I'd love to have you join in at my new blog, Creating Better Habits.

And with that, I will say good-bye, but not really...I will be around, and I hope you will too. xoxo



























13 comments:

Emily said...

Those pictures are truly fantastic. I don't know if I've ever seen wedding pictures I love more than these, ever. That last one? With the candles and sunset? Completely amazing. You are so talented. That said, I know you'll be back some day. Somebody with this talent can't be done for good. :) I know that sometimes the only way to make a decision like this is to make it (like you did in 2010) and then realize it wasn't the right choice, and unmake it later. Bravo for following your heart!

Katie said...

I agree with Emily - all of those are amazing, but for some reason the last one just blows my mind.

Excited to see some of your personal work and glad that you are doing what will make you happiest. :)

Joy said...

These are all SO gorgeous, Joanna! I am sad to hear that you are retiring, I look forward to your work, but I understand why you are doing it. Good for you!

Unknown said...

LOVE all the photos! Stunning!!!!! I totally understand why you are doing it. I have been going back and forth as well about taking a break this year. I hesitated for too long, and now it is too late...already making plans for this year. ;) But I AM going to take it easy...not so many projects this year. That is a hard decision you had to make, I'm sure there are so many requests for you to take pictures....good luck to you this year!!!

caitlynrose said...

THOSE ARE DIVINE SHOTS JOANNA. I am so glad you have had the opportunity to take the images you love. I have continually been dazzled by what you have captured and I hope that the year ahead is exactly what you want. That said, retired or not, if my family ever makes it back to the States we are so abducting you and your gear for some weekend. I covet some original Joanna Taylor's for my living room. YOU ARE AN AWESOME TALENT, and an even better wife and mother to make this tough choice. You're a rock star in my book!

Amanda Bishop said...

Good for you lady! What a hard decision, but you have your priorities right. I've been contemplating the same thing (every year more & more). These images are amazing you have such a talent. Take care!

Mandi@TidbitsfromtheTremaynes said...

I wish I could go back and redo my wedding pictures to look like these. . . sigh. . . amazing.

You go, girl. Seriously- it takes guts to do what you've done. You rock.

Heather Anne said...

Joanna dear... I completely adore you for your honesty and sincere artistic talent! The great part is photography is a part of your heart and a part of who you are and always will be. I'm so over the top happy for you and this new direction.
Hugs......

Joanna Taylor said...

Thank you all, so kindly. :)

Brittany said...

Bitter Sweet! I love being inspired by you and your work. I will miss your work, but will look forward to your personal projects. I know you wont regret it. How could you ever regret spending more precious time with those sweet little ones that grow and change in a blink.

mnwphotography said...

You GO Joanna, you do what your truly feel! I remember and still do have times where I think I put my self in over my head. I admire your decision, my dream job is to be a mother and to see what your sacrificing I take great admiration in that. Your such an amazing natural photographer and always will be in my book, thank you so much for being an inspiration! Oh and how I adore these photo's, I feel so honored to be part of an artists mind! Love ya Lady!

Mickey Family said...

I had NO idea!! I am a little bit behind in the my blog-reading. But good for you. I, too, am taking on less this year. Time goes by too fast and I want no regrets when it comes to the "blip" that is being a mom to little ones.

If you ever want to get together with kids and shoot FOR FUN I would love to!

Square Root Photography said...

What a stunning setting! A gorgeous day, too.