2009 has been a pretty amazing year for me in so many ways. I have also experienced a few losses this year. I am thankful this year was marked by more highlights and I am blessed to have the people who are in my life. 2009 marked my first full year as a wedding photographer and in that saw some pretty amazing growth. Despite this growth I still have a family to think about and I wasn’t fortunate enough to be able to “go full-time.” Not yet anyway. I did change full-time jobs and in that left many wonderful relationships. Technology has made it much easier to maintain these relationships over long distances. If I had to choose ”my biggest joy” this year, I would have to say it was witnessing my son’s successes on the football field. His team, the North Tonawanda Lumberjacks reached the end of a successful season with a 13-0 record and captured the New York State Class AA State Championship. I am so proud of him and the team’s accomplishments this year.
I really can’t believe it’s 2010. I mean that’s just crazy. My kids grow older as do I only I don’t want to admit it. The great thing is, I don’t feel older. As I grow older a feel a sense of urgency to work even harder for my clients and to build my business. I have been so luck to be able to turn a fun hobby into a successful and growing business. I am even more stoked to be able to spend time with some of the wonderful couples who have allowed me the opportunity to be a part of their very special day and to capture those moments for them. I am grateful and thankful. The excitement I experience being able to document a couple’s wedding and then watch their eyes widen into a full-face smile as they see their photos is unmatched.
I have always loved to read and have been frustrated by my inability to finish books. I thought at first it was just the fact I have so much going on in my life. Then a friend introduced me to the Kindle from Amazon.com. Oh my God. I purchased one in August and have read at least two books each month since. I actually forgot my Kindle at my office the other day and when I discovered it missing I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to get through the night. I no longer enjoy reading. I LOVE to read again. Thanks Amazon.com. A friend turned me on to a website called goodreads.com. It’s a website where you can share your thoughts about the books you’ve read and read real world reviews from people about books which you might find interesting. Awesome website. Check it out.
One of my favorite things which happened this year was the development and renewal of some pretty amazing relationships. I realized how many people were out there and wanted to see my succeed and were willing to help out in any way they could. Again, I am so blessed to have these people in my life and thankful for their friendship, their help and their guidance. I saw my blog grow as I worked hard to post at least twice each week. I love to write and saw my writing improve and grow more personal. I have been told by several consistent readers it is this personalization which they have enjoyed the most as it has opened up my soul and made me more accessible to them. I have been told by the same readers it is this personalization they see in my photography and has helped me to book new clients. I have invested in others and they have in turn invested in me. This year has allowed me to see the fruits of that labor as those relationships have continued to blossom and to grow. I have also enjoyed the relationships I have been able to forge with my clients. The trust and appreciation has been incredible.
When I reread some of my blog entries and the ones which remain in “draft” format waiting to be finished, I am amazed at what I have been able to accomplish this past year. I know that with continued hard work and perseverance 2010 will be just as exciting and productive.
Thank you to everyone who has touched my life. I am also thankful for those who have touched my life in a negative way as I have learned from those relationships as well.
Thank you all so much for allowing me into your lives. I am so thankful to have forged the relationships I have and look forward to growing these. Have a great New Year and keep coming back to read.
Namaste,
Christopher
