My dear, and obviously so-close-she-lives-inside-my-head friend Korie nailed it. It has been far, far too long since I have photographed my own kids. I've been running on this hamster wheel and justifying it as "all for them" while missing a lot of the Big Picture stuff.
It ends now.
My Facebook status a few days ago read: "Carrie is
Is totally at peace with my decision to hang up my camera professionally and focus on my family and my new professional direction with Oxford Prep Charter School. I have three more client projects to wrap up then I will put a take a nice long break and return to being a Mom With a Camera (MWAC;)
A few weekends ago, I took a group of sixth grade girls and their moms, to Santa Monica for a customized portrait session. These girls have known each other since they were five. The girls had a ball! They loved having their pictures taken and I think we captured some really great shots.
As I began the editing process, it hit me over the head like a brick that I have not taken the time to document the little days of my own children for far too long. I have been so busy trying to keep up with the editing and the orders for my clients of my little photography business, I am putting my own precious memories on hold. My poor babies aren't even on the memory card that gets left in the camera for a year. Nothing. Nada. No portraits. I suck.
If it wasn't for my friends and neighbors booking my 6th Grade Promotion Special, I am ashamed to admit, I would not have had a chance at capturing this beautiful girl. Did I tell you how much I suck?
So with that, I quit. I have three client project to wrap up, then I'm hanging a digital Gone Fishing sign on my website, downgrading my plan and saying "Thanks but no thanks" to any client inquiries. I hate to say this, but as soon as I say I quit, interest starts up. Stay strong Carrie. Stay focused. Your kids deserve memories too.





