Looking back, moving forward

This year, I gravitated towards being intentional. How would I bring value to the subject in front of my lens? How would I grow as an artist? How would I conduct myself in customer relations? How would I display my photos? What would I spend time on? What would I concentrate on in order to showcase its beauty?

For starters, I worked less shows but they were the right ones. I was chosen to be the Official Photographer for the National Standardbred Show - also their 30th Anniversary! And with that, I survived my first three day show. I was able to create portraits for some lovely people, something I love to do because it's so exciting to be creating in the moment and to be a part of celebrating an important moment in someone's life. I conducted my first set of mini sessions at Brooke's Barn with their lovely Gypsy Vanner and I plan to do more next year.

I was also published online and part of Horse Illustrated's Special Edition of Breeds. All were pictures of Standardbreds and I couldn't be more proud that they found their way into the world for people to read about and celebrate. I will forever advocate for this special breed.

And as I celebrate tonight (who am I kidding, I will be asleep by 9 because I have horses to take care of in the morning), I think back on all the challenges I have faced and uncertainties. Being in business for yourself is not for the faint of heart. You need to have goals, keep creating, keep learning, keep branching out to serve customers the best way possible, and I am guilty of falling short on many of these things. But the important thing is to keep trying.

For my last task of 2024, I will be listing goals for 2025 and making plans to execute them through the next 12 months. I am grateful to each customer involved with Creek Dreams Photography - and the other professionals who have helped me along the way. I've learned a lot and there is more to do. Cheers to a great year, the strength to survive the set backs and the tenacity to keep going!

"Competition happens at the bottom. Collaboration is at the top."