Anyway, all that for a lame segue to say if you want to be in the know about what’s going on around the studio, then you need to sign up for the newsletter. Yesterday marks the first ever Swoon Over It Newsletter, but there will be many more to come. I won’t be spamming your inbox every day (seriously, keeping up a blog is enough for me), nor will the newsletters be epically long. It’ll just be a few paragraphs every few months. Not only will there be a nice little round-up of all that’s happened in the last couple months, but – for current, past, and future clients – there will be exclusive coupons in every newsletter. EVERY SINGLE ONE.

And the last thing you want to do is feel left out, right? RIGHT.

P.S. That’s adorable little Mateo there from his 3-month session. I’ve been shooting him for a year now and am so excited to share his sessions soon and how much he’s grown into such an adorable little boy. Seriously, who can resist that sweet little face?

Now, in my wise old age, I’ve learned that sometimes the best (or most achievable) lists are the ones with the bigger picture in mind. For the last few years I’ve worked to develop just a few personal goals and a few business goals – making sure that all of them are with my sights set just high enough that they are still attainable…. and yet still optimistic.

Before you make fun of me for writing in a notebook with graphing paper, just look at how cuuuuute the cover is. Now can I be forgiven?

PERSONAL

1. Organize personal goods. As a business owner I think one of the hardest things I’ve found has been in keeping my business life and my personal life separate. And, when you work so hard to keep your business on track and your business things organized, it makes it easy to let your personal life lapse.
2. Take more personal time. As with the last, it’s not an infrequent night where I’m working up until the moment I brush my teeth before bed. Heck, sometimes I get up from bed to start uploads or take care of something business-related I forgot to do. I think my most epic moment was rolling over at midnight to an e-mail from a client and RESPONDING TO IT. On my phone. While I laid in bed. On the one hand, sure great personal service. On the other…. this isn’t good for me. I know it. And, I’ve already started some things to make some changes that will be better for me (and for my clients…. I don’t think my half-conscious e-mails are helping anyone).
3. Complete five items off of my Thirty Before Thirty (TBT) list. I keep meaning to share more about this list, but the long and the short of it is that I have a bucket list and I’m running out of time to get it done. So, this year I have to start making some serious progress. Here’s to hoping I gain momentum.
4. Take more pictures. This might sound crazy, but keep in mind that this is a personal goal. I take so many pictures during my day-to-day work that the amount of personal images I’ve taken over the last few years has become embarrassingly little. It became all too easy to decide I didn’t want to lug my camera out… or clear memory cards… or [insert other excuse here]. But I’ve decided that I’m going to make a change – even if it means just more pictures from my phone.

BUSINESS

1. Network more. So, while I love to talk (true), and love to write (even more true), when it comes to meeting new people or being immersed in a giant group or people I tend to clam up. I’m not sure what it is that makes me suddenly become a wallflower, but I do know the only way to get over it…. exposure. So, this year is all about going to networking groups/places where I don’t necessarily know many of the people there. I already have a few lined up for the upcoming months so, erm, wish me luck.
2. Buy less things. This is a “duh.” It’s easy to get caught up in the shiniest new toy or most fun, unnecessary gadget and buy it since it is technically a tax write-off. This year is all about settling down and saving up to buy the big ticket items I really want rather than needlessly buying the gadgets that I don’t really need.
3. Complete full-scale client communication system. I’m not really saying much more on this other than it is new. It’s amazing. And it’s coming. If you are an upcoming or future client, get ready. Big, amazing changes are on the way and I couldn’t be more psyched.

Alright, so now I’ve laid it all out there. What about you… are you into making resolutions or are they totally for the birds?

Something about the way the light fell on the leaves. The way the sun rays completely burst through the thick branches of the trees. The way the garden was still. Silent. I stopped and stared. All the while the world around it bustled past. It was in that moment that I instantly realized that my life was a little like this moment. Wonderful, but unappreciated. It was in that moment that I knew what I needed to do.

Over the past year, I have written this post a million times in my head. I knew this day would come…. eventually. I just didn’t know how or when. Truthfully, I never imagined it would be so soon. And now, now that it’s here, rather than having so many words to say – as I had suspected – instead I find myself at a complete loss for words.

Mostly, I’m just thankful. Thankful to have found a city that I love so much. Thankful to have found a group of colleagues that I respect and can count on for anything. Thankful to have found so many amazing clients that I truly view as friends. Thankful for all the opportunities I’ve been given over the last couple years to grow both personally and professionally. I’m thankful for life.

So, it is with a heavy heart and many mixed emotions that I write this post. Over the last year, photography has not been my only pursuit. You see, I have many other passions. And, when we moved to Philadelphia just one short year ago, I quite naturally assumed that it would take many many years to try to network and build a business here. Thus, it is with great excitement that I announce that today I enter into the world of JUST PHOTOGRAPHY. I’m not going to say “full-time” photography, because to say that would be to imply that I wasn’t doing it full-time before and - I can quite assure you - I most definitely was, just not as my only job.

Perhaps unlike those before me, I do not look on today as me sticking it to the man, or cursing the 9 to 5.Or anything of the like. I loved my old job. But, I love photography too. And, what excites me most is the extra time I will have to dedicate to myself, my clients, and growing my business. Oh yeah, and did I say myself? I am really looking forward to learning about this thing called sleep that I have heard so much about. And, perhaps most of all, appreciating life.

And, of course, while you’re there be sure to check out the whole magazine and its gorgeous punches of red and pink hues.

But a little before that, I was given the amazing news that I made BrideTide’s Top 100 list of wedding blogs to follow in 2011. Ummmm, seriously? I’ve made the list in previous years, but I never, ever expected to make it again this year. It is a huge honor to be listed among so many other fabulously inspirational blogs. Thank you thank you thank you, BrideTide. You’re too kind!

And last, but certainly not least… last week I received a Google Alert in my inbox. (For those of you wondering, here’s an explanation about Google Alerts.) And, it was such an alert that seriously left me looking a little like this:

Well, except for the whole crawling on the floor part. I’m not really into that. But, what was the alert? The fabulous OneWed Blog nominated me as one of sixteen for Best Blog by an Industry Expert. Again, ummmmm, what!? Seriously, SWOONOVERIT is listed alongside the likes of 100 Layer Cake, Southern Weddings, and The Bridal Bar.

I’m not sure what technical glitch occurred that would cause them to miss something like this. But with that said, when you are finished scratching your head in confusion (I still am), if you could head over there and vote for me, it would be much appreciated. Rest assured, I will not be plugging for your votes for days or campaigning around about it – this one is far too out of my league. Really, I am just so, so honored to be listed among people (and blogs) that I love and respect so much.

At this point, I just don’t want the tally to come up “0″ for me when they publish the results at the end. So, ermmm, can you help me with that? Heck, you’re talking about the person who, in high school, ran for president and then voted for someone else. Who does that!?

Edited to add: For those of you wondering – no, I am not a wedding planner though the text on their site states it. I am sure they just got the information from my past history [where, yes, I did wedding planning]. So clients, no, I will not be coordinating your wedding but I am pretty capable at timelines and pinning boutonnieres… you know, should the need arise.

Psst – I’m finishing this up right now. Tell me you don’t love her in all of her Anthropologie-esqueness. Seriously, they’re adorable, no?

So, I’ve sneak peeked a few sessions over the last few months, but ultimately it seems I fell off the “blogging wagon.” You see, I got so caught up in doing the work that I, uh, well, I guess I just forgot to blog about it. Whoops! But, no more excuses. My New Year’s Resolution? BLOG MORE. So instead of giving more excuses for all the things I’ve been doing instead of blogging, here’s all you have to look forward to in the upcoming weeks…

1. Michelle & Chris’s Wedding
2. Mindy & Mark’s Engagement Session
3. Kelley’s Maternity Session
4. Niko’s Baptism
5. Ceara & Michael Wedding
6. Sara & Keith’s Engagement
7. Laura & Michael’s Engagement
8. Ursula & Mike’s Engagement
9. Baby David’s Newborn Session
10. Amber & Sterling Anniversary
11. The Rengepes Family Session
12. Brittany & Shawn’s Engagement (in Florida)
13. The Kalemis Family Newborn and Christmas Session
14. Mark & Mindy’s Themed Cooking Session
15. and Christie & Dave’s NYE’s Eve Wedding

And because that was really just a list that means a whole lot of nothing to most of you, here are just a few more peeks of some of these sessions to whet your palette. [And as further proof that I have been up to something!] Come back tomorrow; I promise more goodness for real this time.

Hoping you were able to spend some time recently with your loved ones and cherish the moments together.

Unfortunately, due to the insanity of the day, I don’t have a single detail shot of my booth. Actually, if we’re being totally honest, this is the ONLY shot I have from the whole day. And, as I was taking this shot, the first bride I spoke with was walking up behind me to ask some questions. So, ummm, I’ll have to get some detail shots later – especially of the SWOONOVERIT lightbox – which was the show-stealer of the booth for sure (more on that later).

Huge thanks to Annalily Charles, Lindsey Tropf, and Melissa Copeland for all the guidance and tips in designing and coordinating the display.
And another huge thanks to my friend Rachael for being my right hand all day.

Now, with that aside, I am so excited to share that Rachel and Joe’s meadow engagement session was featured over on Every Last Detail today.

With an incredibly sweet write-up and a lengthy feature of photos, be sure to pop on over there and check it out.
You can find the feature here. And, a huge thanks to Lauren for the kind words!

You can find more information on the event here. And, here is a sneak peek of what I have been working on…

And in case you still aren’t convinced, how about this?

You have to go to the show to get one and must physically have one to qualify. No exceptions. I’m just sayin’.
Also, please note: This only applies to wedding packages and cannot be combined with any other promotion.
See you there!

Why? Well, because it’s no secret that the generation of today is one of technology. It’s fact: many recently engaged couples updated their status on Facebook before they even called their parents with the news. So, why would we treat our wedding any differently? Purchasing an “iPad Package” would allow brides and grooms the opportunity to share their photos in a revolutionary way.

With the high-resolution, 9.7-inch LED-backlit display, it shows images in likely one of the best formats possible. And, at just 1.5 pounds and a .5-inch-thick is far more portable than that leather-bound 10×10. Plus, your photographer selling such a package may opt to load a slideshow or album design and your images optimized for web-resolution – making display of your wedding photos never easier. And you want to talk about impressing your viewers? Can you think of a better way?

So with all that considered, I want to know. What do you think? Are you in?
If your photographer were to offer you an iPad package, what would you want included? A slideshow? An album design? Something else?

It started by thinking of this particularly for those in the events industry. So many professionals use their logo or an old, fuzzy shot of themselves in their marketing materials. The logo, fine – but it’s not letting your customers truly get to know you. When they show up at that meeting, who should they be looking for? There is no face of the business.  The fuzzy shot of you circa 1999 is just no good all around; I’m not going to try to explain that one.

But then I realized, that it is not just event professionals, but everyone that should have a professional, up-to-date image of themselves. You think your potential employer isn’t looking you up on Facebook and LinkedIn? If so, ohhh you’ve got another thing coming. But once you realize that they ARE, you should update them and use these resources to your advantage. Yes, I said it, Facebook – if used properly – can be used to your ADVANTAGE in the hiring process. But that’s a topic for another day - or another blog – altogether.

So with that comes the launch of THE MINI-SHOOT SPECIAL.

THE SUPER-MINI SHOOT – $99

So you want a shoot, but don’t have the time, desire, or funds for a full-on session? The super-mini shoot is the perfect solution. Especially perfect for headshots, senior sessions, baby sessions, or the finicky fiance who can’t handle being in front of the camera for more than an hour. Must be in Center City, Philadelphia or additional travel fees may apply.
Includes: up to an hour of coverage, three-month proofing gallery of images, and digital copies of up to ten of your favorites – professionally edited and retouched. Full disc available for purchase.

Limited spots available for Fall. Contact me as soon as possible to schedule your date.