Reflecting on 2012 & my exciting news for 2013!

As the end of the year approaches, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and business throughout 2012, and share with you the highlights of what has been a fab year in my business and personal life.

I just can't believe how quickly it has gone! I hope it has been a really brilliant year for you too.

I have been grateful to receive some wonderful opportunities in my business...

It's been an honour to work on such a variety of shoots and capture some very special moments.

I feel grateful in knowing that this has been a really positive year of growth for me in my work... and has come as a result of a LOT of stepping out of my comfort zone!

It's naturally developed my style and approach to what I do, and me as a person... I am so thankful to be doing what I LOVE, and learning to be a better business person and photographer with every day and every shoot.

As I set my intentions for 2013 I recognise that I have really begun to understand how important it is to follow your heart and dream big!

It's something you're always supposed to know in theory, but sometimes those dreams you have seem so far away...

Being self employed has really made me recognise that if you want something to happen, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! It's when you take a step forward and start taking action, those dreams begin to manifest!

There are so many things I would love to do, see and have next year!

In my personal life, I celebrated my Great Grandmothers 100th Birthday in April! It was a really special occasion and I am so blessed and fortunate to have her in my life.

I was also lucky to get to attend the womens football final at the Olympics with my amazing boyfriend Ro in July which was really exciting, and he whisked me away to Paris for a fabulous birthday weekend for my 20th in August! It was a gorgeous trip...

I was invited to come to my mum Ali Soleil's retreat in the South of France in October which was an incredible, reflective and inspiring time out. I also made a very exciting decision about something I plan to do in 2013...

In October, one of my favourite US based photographers that I have admired for ages announced that he is running two business workshops next year. One in Hawaii in February, and one in Portland in October next year.

When I read about it, I obviously thought it would be AMAZING to do, especially the sooner Hawaii one, but instantly thought I couldn't actually do that? It's too much of an investment! And like... go to Hawaii??!

But it kind of felt like I was meant to see it...

I'd been wanting some guidance from a successful photographer to help me build my business as it steadily grows.

I considered it for a few weeks, knowing that the 12 places were gradually being snapped up

When I imagined a reality where I had just paid the deposit, the thought of attending this workshop inspired me with a new attitude... A new attitude that said "Okay... WOW... You've actually committed to this, you're GOING to be a part of this workshop. Now you've got to raise the money. Let's make it happen!". My mind started filling with new and old ideas and opportunities I could create for my business.

I realised that the concept of NOT committing to this workshop would likely be much worse for me, my personal growth and my business financially than actually making the investment!

If I decided not to go, and carry on with things how they were, it's like saying to myself, "Don't bother dreaming so big, you won't be able to afford it. Phew... Isn't that a relief now you don't have to try so hard?!". I'd stay with the same attitude, probably not look at my pricing or most vitally not have inspired thoughts about new ways to draw in business.

So, I put down the deposit at the end of October! I am so excited and thrilled to have made this decision. It feels like a dream to know that I'm going to be there, and scary too!

I know that working out how I'm going to afford it and then actually going there and being a part of it will be life changing - let alone the learnings I will make for my business when I'm on the workshop.

Thank you so much for reading my updates and personal ramblings!! I hope that you and your family are having a wonderful festive break!

Enjoy your New Year celebrations and I look forward to catching up in 2013 xx

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