#Thatsawrap! 2014
One of the best decision I ever did for my career was to continue this blog as the progress of my growth; an every expanding document of my blood, sweat, and tears. It’s a constant motivation to keep creating content, a reminder of how far I’ve come, when I’ve suddenly forgotten and most importantly it is the answer to the annual end of the year question, what the f*ck have I done this year?! >>> go to the blog.
I was just reminded earlier this month on Linkedin that I have been doing photography for 8 years this December. Wow! I am forever thankful for this beautiful opportunity I have been given as freelance photographer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me and my art!
2014 client list
I could have never imagined how this year would have played out. 2014 was overall a fulfilling and amazing year with periodically punches to my gut when I was not looking. I worked my ass off, stayed consistent, always persevered, tried not to over think things, and really stepped outside of my comfort zone. I accomplished and exceeded every goal I set for my career this year and even managed to cross off some on my bucket list. I collaborated with so many more amazing make up artists, hairstylists, wardrobe stylists, manicurists, digital techs, models, assistants, art directors, producers, agents and reps. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with and continue to work with so many amazing clients, companies and brands this year. I photographed celebrities, shot magazine covers, bought my work on newsstands and worked with companies I only thought I could dream of working with.
When life is sweet say thank you and celebrate and when life is bitter say thank you and grow.
2014 started off with a bang, literally when 3 days into the new year my fiancé suffered trauma to his cervical spine in an auto-collision. It’s surreal how quickly a life can be altered. I canceled our much needed and deserved (10 year) anniversary vacation to Hawaii and we spent the entire year in and out of hospitals and specialists doing everything from physical therapy to EMGs for answers, let alone solutions. Most of which, we are still looking for. I lost loved ones, beloved pets, maybe my own self some days. We put an offer on our first home, but the sellers decided they really didn’t want to move anyway and took their house off the market. With too many variables up in the air, we decided to put house hunting on hold.
This year changed me. 25 changes you. The Industry changes you. The world will change you, if you let it. Let me tell you something you already know. The world is not all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. But when you learn that you can trust life, life will deliver treasures beyond your imagination.
Right now I feel like I am standing tall, freely with every broken shackle of the chain that has tide me down for so long lays beneath me. I feel like I have shed the coat built up of guilt, jealousy, angst, hurt, and vulnerability that I carried for so many years. Because forgiving does not mean forgetting and the years, oh boy did they add up. I feel like a chapter of my life has completely closed. The end of 2014 is a celebration of something so much bigger than 1 year, 365 days. 2015 is not just another chapter in the story that I am living, it’s a whole new volume. The end of 2014 means Volume 1 is over; V1, 25 chapters. Honestly, it’s been one hell of a roller coaster ride of self doubt, high highs and low lows. An exploration of experimentation, self-expression and growth. Just as I suppose it should. But damn the things I would go back and tell myself, if I would have known then what I know now.
It’s true what they say, once you fix your mind, you fix your life. We are what we think. We are what we say. We are what we believe. We are what we do. Our subconscious minds have no sense of humor, play no jokes and cannot tell the difference between reality and an imagined thought or image. What we continually think about eventually will manifest in our lives.
Some reminders for the year to come: Take time to reflect upon experiences. Focus on the important things. Quality over quantity. Stay Positive. Take time to focus on myself. Stay organized, stay focused. Do not neglect your health. Strong mind, strong body, strong soul. You are always where you are suppose to be. You will end up where you are meant to be. Trust the universe. Trust yourself.
