A single frame from a recent, destination couple's session on Two Bear Lake, in the northwoods of WI.
Twenty Seventeen.
This year end post and the content is so dear to me. Its a statement of faithfulness and endurance. A reminder when I feel too weak to finish, I'll be given the strength to take another step and carry on. I don't go into a new year hoping for it to be a hard one, but it does have a unique way of shaping and molding in a way the easier seasons just don't. I want to remember and feel this until it truly informs 2018 and how I prepare for it.
I'm still processing this past year and its impact on me and will be for a while. The cross current beneath all of 2017 (and half of 2016!) has been a house remodel (post coming, soon). I cannot separate my photography work from the remodel, because I was so involved in much of it. It was my second job and seemed full time most of the time. I truly believe I had the perfect amount of photography work, however (and an amazingly helpful, forgiving, understanding and patient wife). These facts enabled me to juggle everything else on my plate this past year, but I never want to try it again.
What a year.
I totally neglected the photography business and feel as though it took a step back after a very inspiring 2016. Momentum seems to have reversed for the first time in 6 years. Now, I'm left dusting myself off (literally and figuratively), picking up the pieces and getting this thing back on the right track. I'm so excited about this, though.
More time to focus. To invest. Less housework.
Thankfully, I am very proud of the work I delivered to my amazing clients and friends this past year. Even though I felt at the end of myself on a weekly basis, inspiration, energy and motivation always came when needed. I cannot thank God enough for that. There have been so many moments of profound joy this past year and God continues to humble me. I don't deserve such amazing grace. You people. This job. All the moments I witnessed with a camera in hand.
Thank you.
Here's to turning a page and starting afresh. But, always remembering the sweetness amidst tough and trial filled years. One wedding, one session, one destination and photo at a time.
I Hope you enjoy this look back. The past two years have been filled with more film photography than ever and I'm finally feeling "comfortable" with the challenge/reward of it. I Hope you and yours start the new year off right and it's one of the best, yet.
Lets create something amazing together.
Peace out to my assistant for the past two seasons. Josiah, you'll be missed but I'm beyond excited for whats next for yah. Thanks so much for all the help, bro.
Katie & Owen's Stout's Island Lodge Wedding in Northern, WI.
in 2 / Wedding
Its an absolute honor being a wedding photographer. Its one of the best jobs in the world and I'm blown away by the people in front of my camera. Year after year, I'm brought deeper and deeper into a profound appreciation of what I witness and photograph.
My fear is, my hard drives will crash, the internet will cease to exist, my memory will fade, and there will be no record of weekends like this to look back on. Thankfully, the odds of that happening are slim to none. Thankfully, I'll always have this collection of photographs to look back on and remind me of all that was Katie and Owen's perfect weekend getaway wedding in Northern, WI at Stout's Island Lodge.
It just doesn't get any better than this. Katie & Owen felt their way through the wedding day. All the different, unique emotions one feels with such a large event taking place and so many close friends and family gathered around you. Its all I could ever ask for. Yes, the ceremony was rained out. But, during the vows, a gorgeous rainbow appeared and the sun broke as I followed Katie and Owen down to the waters edge. I'm at a loss for words at this point. So, go ahead and check out the photos!
