I kicked off my 2019 by moving back home to Minnesota. I had just opened my online shop and I was ready for a new year. I started a new job after being laid off, and I although it wasn’t an ideal situation, I found that it was exactly what I needed.
In February, my dad and I went on an awesome 3-day trip to Arizona to catch a Leafs hockey game. We were able to make a day trip to Sedona and see all kinds of amazing landscapes that I will never forget. I wrote a blog about our weekend, you can see photos and read the story HERE.
March was a bit of a dry month as far as photography goes. It was cold, there was a lot of snow, and PJ and I pretty much just hibernated. We made trips to see Andrew as much as we could but snow was not our friend.
April was a major improvement. I was able to get out early one Saturday morning to shoot some sunrise photos! I also purchased an awesome photograph from fellow photographer Doug Cummelin that month. His success inspires me to keep pushing myself to achieve my goals.
In May, I had the pleasure of shadowing/assisting amazing newborn photographer, Erin Young, located in Rochester, MN. I don’t have a ton of experience taking newborn photos, but her tips were incredibly helpful! It’s awesome seeing other artists in action.
In June, but also the entire summer, I took advantage of the local farmer’s market. I got to meet a lot of nice people, including some of the other vendors! I sold some prints and greeting cards, and I had a great time just spending time outside in the beautiful Minnesota weather! I also started gaining a little more traction in my photography business which was really exciting!
Then July came along. My brother and I went to a local Fireman’s Dance, where I shot some photos of the band! Later in the month, I took a trip to Vancouver, BC, Canada, with my now-fiancé. We spent a couple days driving all the way out to Vancouver, seeing awesome sights (and some really boring sights), along the way. We spent some time in the city but we also ventured outside the city to experience some Provincial parks and other fun places! But it was time to come home, so we took the Amtrak all the way back this time, instead of driving (trying to sleep on a fast-moving train is quite an experience).
August is the best month for many reasons. First off, I got engaged at the beginning of the month! I was so excited (and I still am). Second, I turned 25 this year on August 26th! I also had the amazing honor of shooting my sister’s wedding!
September (my second favorite month) was fun too! I got to shoot a lot of senior photos! Senior photos are probably my favorite type of portraiture because you can get really creative with them!
October was a turning point for me! I shot for a couple more seniors, I was able to spend Halloween with my little brother and sisters, and I finally was able to move back down to Iowa with my fiancé! Things finally came together for me and I was so excited!
I started my new job in November and so far, I am absolutely LOVING it.
December was mostly uneventful. I traveled back home for a couple days but it was ultimately a relaxed month.
So what are my plans for the future of this business of mine?
The honest answer is, I don’t know.
I thought I had a clear path and set of goals, but after this year, I have learned a lot about myself. I know that I absolutely love the artistic side of my craft. I think my goals for 2020 will be more geared towards Quality instead of Quantity. I want to create truly amazing photos, I want to create things nobody has ever seen or imagined before. I am working on a project (it has no deadline at this point), the subject is Surrealism. Back in high school, I took an art class where we were required to create a surrealistic piece, and that class, especially that specific project, made an impression on me. I’d like to continue to explore that realm of art. I’m not sure where the project will lead me, if anywhere, but wherever it does, I will happily follow.
I want to thank everyone who supported me in 2019, and every year! It means so much to me! I hope everyone finds something in their life that makes them as happy as my photography makes me!
Happy New Year!
All my love,
Δ Abbi