One day I want to write a book called, “The life cycle of a photographer”.  Having been a photographer for 15 years, I’ve gone through so many seasons in my career, and watched my passion for my craft ebb and flow.  About two years ago, I was really burned out.  It’s not that I didn’t love photography, but I was just tired.  As a photographer, in order to stay on top of your game, you have to constantly flex your creative muscles, so there is no “cruise control” in my world.  So my tired wasn’t physical, it was mental.  I needed a break.

My break couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.  Last year, we met Candice, and I was able to devote 5 months to her as she prepared to give birth.(read more about our adoption).  I was also thankful to be able to devote more creative energy & time to Kelly Moore Bag.  People have constantly been asking me if I missed shooting.  I felt extremely guilty when I said no, like I had betrayed my first love.  The truth is, I have been enjoying my time off more than you can imagine.  I had been shooting weddings FOREVER, so I had no concept of having a free weekend.  This year I realized something…..did you know other people are off on weekends!?  This year has been the first time in my adult life where I could go to birthday parties, hang out with friends and family who are also off, or spend the day in my flower beds.  It’s been bliss

Over the past couple of months, I’ve began to feel something it the pit of my stomach.  I wasn’t sure exactly what it was, but I finally figured it out….it’s the shooting bug!!  I was excited to feel it again, because in the back of my mind, I feared I’d lost my drive to shoot.  I’ve found myself day dreaming again about ideas, lighting, and shooting techniques.  YAY!!

I don’t know exactly what my future looks like with shooting.  I’m not sure I’m ready to get back into paid gigs.  I think I may just rest here for a while…shooting for myself as my creative outlet.   I guess I’ll just wait and see.  As for now, my plans are to shoot throughout the summer, and try to materialize all the things that are swimming in my head.   Stay tuned, and PLEASE share your thoughts!  If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them!

Here are a few from yesterdays shoot.  Tiffani has modeled for me before, and I was thrilled to shoot her again.  She has such a unique look, which I love.  It was my first time working with Sarah Diaz, a local makeup artist.  Isn’t she brilliant!  I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of her work soon.  Josiah, thanks for helping out.  It’s great to work with you again.