Maine Portrait Photographer | 2011 in Review

I did a lot of amazing things in 2011.  I ran a marathon and felt like a rock star, for starters.  Despite the rain and wind, the marathon was a life changing experience that I am never going to forget.  In any other year it would be the defining moment, but I did something else that changed my life so dramatically that it beats out running non-stop for 5 hours: I started a photography business.

My dad, who owns his own business, always urged me to find a niche for myself and to create my own business.  I always thought this was ludicrous, partially because I feared being in control of my own income.  I wanted the safety net of a fixed income and, if I was lucky, periodical raises.  But I quickly realized that these jobs meant that I had to sacrifice a certain amount of freedom.  I had to work within a certain framework and complete work in a certain way.  I felt trapped because I felt defined by these jobs.

By owning my own business, I feel more like myself.  I can’t explain how happy I am to meet new people and to find just the right way to showcase their personalities and,with regards to engagement sessions, the nature of their relationship.  I feel gleeful pleasure as I photograph weddings and tear up with the intensity of emotion that I am privileged to see and experience that day.

Owning a business isn’t for everyone, but it’s the best option for me.

The below photos are my very favorite portraits from 2011.  Thanks, all, for making my year stupendous.  Here’s to 2012!

(PS– did you see my favorite 2011 wedding photos?)