As the new year kicks off, I’ve been looking back on everything this past year has brought—both personally and professionally. This year, my annual reflection came a little later than usual. Instead of diving into it in December, I spent the holiday season being truly present with my family and friends! I got to soak up some amazing time with my husband and our two sons, including our oldest who was home from college for the break! I also made some intentional reconnections with friends, making space for meaningful conversations (and yummy coffee breaks!) that had been missing in the busyness of the last many months. I also found myself hitting the gym more, in an effort to up with those active toddlers in front of my lens!
One thing I can say for sure about the year that has passed, it’s been a year full of learning, growth, and so many moments to be thankful for. Here are some of my favorite highlights from 2024:
1. Elevating Newborn Posing and Safety: Earlier this summer I had the chance to attend a workshop with the incredible Dawn Potter Photography. Her expertise in newborn posing and safety was such an inspiration! I came away with fresh ideas and skills to ensure every session is not only beautiful but also safe for those tiny bundles of joy. Investing in my craft is so important to me, and this workshop was an amazing experience.
2. Capturing 26 Newborns and 22 Cake Smashes: Welcoming 26 precious newborns into my studio this year has been pure joy! From their tiny toes to those dreamy, sleepy smiles, each baby brought a little extra joy to my days. Every session reminded me why I love what I do—capturing those fleeting, heartwarming moments for families to cherish forever. In addition, I got to see so many of my 2023 newborns return for playful cake smash sessions as well. What a treat to document those little ones as they grow up – I adore my Crib Tales Babies!
3. Growing My Senior Portrait Business by Leaps and Bounds: This was a monumental year for senior portraits! Not only did I increase my senior sessions by an incredible 185%, but I also had the honor of photographing several seniors who have been with me since I began my career 15 years ago – yes, they were barely toddlers when I first photographed them! In addition, I also got to capture my own high school senior’s portraits, and I don’t have to tell you how special that experience was. I am so proud of him and all of his accomplishments. (sappy mom brag over…) I truly love the creativity and style of my senior sessions, highlighting each young person’s unique personality. Seeing these young adults step into their next chapter is always inspiring, and capturing these milestones has been so rewarding.
4. Mini Sessions Sold Out (Again!): There’s something so magical about fall in Colorado, and documenting families against nature’s backdrops is a highlight of my year. My Fall Mini Sessions have always been such a big hit with my families, and this year was no exception! All 16 spots sold out! I was also thrilled to sell out my two Holiday Mini Session dates as well. Capturing so many returning families, as well as meeting so many sweet new families, is one of the best parts of my job!
5. Launching My Etsy Shop: I took a huge leap this year and launched my Etsy shop, offering digital backdrops for newborn and cake smash photographers! This has been such a fun way to share creative resources with other photographers while expanding my own artistic endeavors.
6. Prioritizing Family Time: For the first time in years, I took two full weeks off for the holidays to spend uninterrupted time with my family. I even got to travel to Texas to celebrate my grandmother turning 100 years old in December! Intentionally setting aside time for my family was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The laughter, connection, and memories made during this break were priceless and a reminder of what truly matters.
This year has been a testament to the power of growth, the importance of balance, and the joy of capturing life’s most beautiful moments. I’m incredibly grateful to all my clients for trusting me to document their stories and to my family for supporting me every step of the way. The 2025 year marks my 16th year as a professional photographer, and I couldn’t be more proud of the journey so far! Reflecting on what I’ve built fills me with gratitude, and I’m so excited for all the opportunities and memories still to come. Here’s to another year of learning, loving, and creating! Happy New Year, friends. I hope to see you soon!
xo,
AMY
Check out some of my favorite session moments from last year – you might just see a few familiar faces!