Alicia & Ben » Blog

Cutting Back

I wanted to do a blog post tonight and share pictures of the kids lately.  Only problem???  Most of the pictures I take are of strangers.  When I’m home I want a break from photography. I’ve been taking more and more pictures, but less and less of them are of my kids.  So I’m going to blog about why I’m cutting back from photography.

Things have been busy lately.  I say that a lot.  I’ve been saying it for years. But lately, wow – new record for busyness, and I think I’m on the verge of burnout.   It feels like every moment of the week is scheduled – Monday, Thursday and Friday evenings are usually photoshoots, Tuesday afternoon we have Sadie’s Singer’s Company class, and Wednesday we have Karate.  So every weekday afternoon/evening is booked.  Saturdays are crazy – 9AM soccer for the boys, 11:30 karate for Sadie and Jax, I usually have at least two photography commitments, and seems like there’s always a birthday party, YMs activity, or obligation in the afternoon/evening. Then there’s Sundays…..Ben’s is currently the YMs president and I’m the primary president, so that keeps us fairly busy, too. There’s so little time for free play, parks, bike rides, or lounging at home.

So, I’ve decided to cut back with photography.  A hard choice for many reasons.  Hard to walk away from income and clients when I’ve worked hard to build the business.  And, I like feeling successful and I feel like the busier I am the more successful I am, which I know is not true, but it feels that way.   I told three people no this week.  It was hard.

Then I look at the kids and realize how quickly they’re growing up and how much I want to be with them to play, explore, and create fun memories and the choice is clear.  Who needs money, success, or an early retirement?  I just want more time with these three:

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I LOVE photography and definitely want to continue.  I just want to rework things. I’m trying to figure out my 5 year plan.  I’m considering pursuing weddings more and family photography less.  I like weddings because they’re more profitable and I can get it all done on a Saturday when Ben’s home.  That would open up our weeks.  The only problem is I feel like I’m better with kids/families, and I don’t get many leads for big weddings.  I’m trying to work through those obstacles.

I have a two day photography conference this week in Orlando that I’m really looking forward to and hoping to get some answers to questions I’ve been having.  Hopefully it will be helpful!  And, hopefully, we can get headed down a path that will be a little more balanced.

Meanwhile, the kids are adorable and perfect!  Ben insists they get more love and attention than 95% of kids on this planet, despite my evenings away.  Ben is an extremely attentive parent, so, thankfully, I never worry when I’m away.  So grateful for their support!

A few fun pictures from lately….

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  • June 7, 2016 - 9:53 pm

    Jess - Cute cute pictures!! Love your sweet family 🙂 It’s not easy to walk away from something like this, but it’s inspirational to see that you’re taking more time for family!! Love you, Alicia!ReplyCancel

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