A Year in Review!
Hello, friends! As I sit here writing this blog post, the smallest snowflakes are falling outside and I am amazed it’s already December. Another year has flown by in what feels like the blink of an eye. Maybe it’s because this was my first year as an “official” business, or maybe it’s because the kids are a year older and just as, if not busier than last year, or maybe it’s just that time seemingly speeds up with each passing day.
Whatever it is, December feels like the right time to reflect on what this year has meant for me as a small business owner. While it certainly hasn’t all gone according to plan, overall this year has been a great one. I had a lot of highs and many learning experiences and I’m looking forward to what next year holds in terms of growth, surprises, and challenges to overcome. So, if you’d like to read along, the following is some real talk about what 2021 meant for EK Photography.
3 Things I’m Really Proud Of:
Did I mention 2021 was my first “official” year as a small business owner?!? While EK Photography has been around since 2016, last November my husband gave me the (strong) nudge I needed to pursue my photography career full time. I had just “retired” from teaching about a month earlier to take on the role of accountant for his business when he insisted 2021 be the year I become CEO of my own small business. After coming up with every excuse in the book (I don’t have a website, my gallery service isn’t going to work when I scale the business, I know nothing about blogging and haven’t registered for an IG account...and the list goes on), I literally and figuratively got down to business. As my first year closes I can say I still have a lot to learn about being a business owner, but I’m really proud to have taken on the challenges as they arose with grace, grit, and determination. And, let’s be honest, sometimes I needed to fake it until I made it. But, it’s been a year and I haven’t closed the doors yet so...I’m making it!
The second thing I’m super proud of is how much my client base has grown. I am humbled and extremely grateful for the number of new clients who chose to trust me with their family memories this year. If you’ve followed me for any amount of time you know I frequently thank my community for trusting me with their family memories; however, this statement isn’t just something to say to beef up a social media caption. I am acutely aware there are MANY photographers to choose from in our area, each of who are very talented. To have so many new clients choose me from amongst a large group of gifted creatives is something I am both grateful for and proud of. You have validated to me that my work is worthy and your positive feedback is what fuels me to continue growing and learning.
Lastly, I am proud to have tried lots of new things! I’m not a person who warms up quickly to change. In fact, I often hem and haw weighing options in my head about even the smallest decisions. Trying something new, committing to things that may or may not pay off, putting myself out there with the possibility of failure...all of these are scary for me. Nonetheless, I challenged myself to dive in headfirst with several new things for my business this year and I’m really glad I did! I purchased a new, upgraded camera body after using the same trusty body for five years, I purchased two new lenses to add to my toolbox, I added two off-camera flashes to my collection in addition to my speedlight. I shot three weddings as a first shooter and added several more second shooter weddings to my tally with Makuvek Photography. Finally, I began dabbling in real estate photography. While I certainly prefer working with people, photographing homes is its own art form and one that challenged me in a great way this year!
2 Things I am Grateful For:
There is no way, no how I could write this blog post without thanking a very special young woman who has joined my team. This year I made the (yes, scary) decision to hire a full time social media manager. Hands down, this has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my business. Danielle at Danielle Barr Digital has had an immense impact on the success of my business. She does everything well that I do not. Every hashtag, every post, every reel, every advertisement, every email newsletter, all of it...she’s the brain and creative behind it all. Without Danielle I’d still be haphazardly posting to Facebook and I’d probably still be typing in VIP group email addresses one at a time (yes, I did that...for several hundred people). I cannot thank her enough for not only all of her hard work and dedication this year, but also for her friendship. I speak with her every single day about anything and everything from the business to the previous night’s Bachelor in Paradise episode. She is an absolute gem of a person and EK Photography could not run successfully without her.
While I am proud to have expanded my client base with many new clients, I am exceptionally grateful for the support my return clients have given me this year. Seeing all of you year after year to update your family pictures is truly an honor. Every sweet email or testimonial you write about our time together means the world to me. As much joy as I experience in being able to do creative work everyday, your happiness and satisfaction with my work is what makes me smile and warms my heart. I appreciate every one of you that has stuck with me since the very beginning. EK Photography is nothing without you...thank you to my return clients for your unwavering support!
1 (…maybe 2) Goals for Next Year:
This was supposed to be one of those cute 3, 2, 1 set-ups (you can take the teacher out of the classroom, but you can’t take the organization out of the teacher), but I have 2 solid goals for next year I’d like to share with you.
First, it is my goal to continue my photography education. You may be surprised to learn I’m mostly self-taught with some invaluable advice from photographer friends and colleagues...and a lot of trial and error. In 2022 I want to dedicate a significant amount of time to furthering my education about both photography and small business ownership. I am a firm believer that we are all learners no matter how old we are. I know the dedication to furthering my education will push me to the next creative and business levels and I’m excited to work toward this goal next year. In all fairness, this one has already started. Keep an eye on my socials at the beginning of March as I attend a highly acclaimed photography conference in KY. It will be my first conference experience and I am so pumped to begin!
My second goal is one I hold close to my heart. I pride myself on giving every client a personalized experience, one that meets both their photo session needs and wants. I value quality over quantity and strive to make a personal connection with every client at every session. Though I’ve made some solid strides in personalizing each client’s experience this year, I want to take this a step further in 2022. A lot of this work will be behind-the-scenes-type items in regards to fine-tuning my business practices, but it is important work nonetheless. I hope you notice the little touches I incorporate in the coming year that take your experience from good to great!
If you’ve made it this far in the post, please know I am grateful for you, friend. I wish you and your family Happy Holidays and a wonderful 2022! See you at your photo sessions!
Elizabeth Kate Photography is a professional photographer located in Lehigh Valley, PA specializing in family portraits, studio photography, maternity photography, wedding photography, professional headshots, senior photography, lifestyle photography, family photography, newborn photography, back to school photography, and more.
