Thanksgiving. A time for family, copious amounts of food, football, and hopefully thankfulness. As the year is nearing it's end, I have taken some time to reflect on all that has happened. It's been a great year for business, as well as a great year for relationships, health, and happiness. I've learned a lot in 2014, and plan to carry that knowledge with me into 2015, in hopes of another thriving year. I would like to take a second though and share what I am thankful for! 1. Chloe
I could not have made it through 2014 without my amazing, beautiful girlfriend, Chloe. Honestly I probably wouldn't have made it through 2013, 2012, 2011 either... She is my support system, my critic, my muse, and my best friend. She's been there during the slow times and kept my spirits high, and she's celebrated with me during the prosperous times.
2. My family
I am very thankful to have a Mom, Dad, brother and sister who all support me as well. They may not have been thrilled with my career choice at first, but I think they can see now, I kinda know what I'm doing with a camera, and are proud of me for running my own business. They even compliment me sometimes on creating nice photographs. Without them I wouldn't be the man I am today, and for that I am thankful.
3. My clients
I am very thankful for all of my clients. The good and the bad. First the good. Without amazing clients to work with, 2014 would have been a miserable year. I wouldn't have been able to create as many amazing photographs, and definitely wouldn't have enjoyed doing it as much. I'm most thankful, not for the praise I've received from them, but the reactions when they tell me how much they, LOVE in all caps, the photos I just gave them. There have been tears of joy and excitement. It really makes my day knowing I have given someone a photo they never though possible.
And I'm also thankful for all of the "bad" or uneasy to work with clients of 2014. You have taught me many valuable lessons in photography, and more importantly business / customer relations. You have given me knowledge and experience that will help my business thrive in the years to come. So I thank you for being a pain, because you've made me stronger.
4. Photography
Lastly I would like to thank photography for being in my life. Since I picked up a camera I knew I wanted to be a photographer. It's given me the opportunity to travel, and meet tons of amazing people. Amazing people who have amazing life stories. Photography has pushed me to grow as a person in ways I wouldn't have thought possible. It has made me a more social, outgoing person. I was always the quiet kid, but I had to learn to be loud and talkative to get the best expressions possible out of my subjects. I had to gain courage, so that I may go into a room full of businessmen and come out with 20 business cards and multiple potential clients. I had to learn to think fast and on my feet, because if you've been in photography for any period of time, you know situations change fast, and most often not in your favor. I'm thankful for photography because it has allowed me to become the person I need to be and want to be. It has also given me opportunities and excitement most jobs wouldn't.
Now that I have listed a few things I'm thankful of, from a list that could go on for pages, I request you list one thing you're thankful for this year in the comments below. It doesn't have to be deep, it could be as little as being thankful for the day's meal. And I also request you reflect on all the things you have in your life and be thankful for them every day, because there are people who don't have the family, health or opportunities we do.
Happy Thanksgiving!