End of Year Personal Reflections, 2012 Edition

As 2012 draws to an end, I found myself wondering lately what my life would have been like had I not been a wedding photographer.  Three things came to mind:

1. My house would be so much cleaner all year long.

I can only speak for myself, but during the wedding season when I seclude myself with my computer from the rest of the civilization, editing images, making sure each looked perfect, it wasn’t hard to become complacent about how everything else looked like. It wasn’t a pretty sight. Especially with a part husky dog as a pet (I’m not complaining. She’s a really awesome dog!) I’m just grateful for a little downtime I have that I got to clean up everything and make my house livable again.

2. I probably would have had a couple of marathons under my belt.

Before I started my business, I was a devoted runner and had put running a marathon in my bucket list. But my passion for running was replaced by photography. When I’m focused on getting thing done on schedule to keep my clients happy, I sometimes forget my own personal goals. I’m not as young and athletic as I used to be but my goal for 2013 is to run consistently. Maybe not run a marathon anymore, but at least stay healthy.

3. I would have spent more time trying out new recipes.

I’m not sure that’s necessarily a good thing healthwise but I’m pretty sure my husband and my tastebuds wouldn’t mind me exploring various culinary adventures. I love taking time to prepare meals. I found it meditating somehow. But with a busy schedule, especially in the summer, I only have about 4 go-to meals that I can easily cook all the time.

I’ve thought about these three things and wondered if what I’ve chosen to do was worth it. Looking back at all the photos I’ve taken this year, all the memories I’ve captured, all of their photographs with the people they have chosen to celebrate their wedding day, all I see are people being happy. And in-love. Sure, it might have been a chaotic day but what they have in their possessions are photographs that tell their stories. Beautiful and emotional to be exact. The path I have chosen is not an easy one but in my heart, I know I’m following the right one because I get to preserve their memories. And that to me makes all my hard work worth it.