Today marks Day One of New Beginnings. Fall is always VERY hectic for the True Household, between a busy shooting/editing/work schedule, back to school, our kiddos sports practices and games, photography workshops, school events and life in general- we basically fasten our seat belts and enjoy the ride the best we can.  :)  “When I get back from Palm Springs…” has been the start of countless sentences from my mouth.  In many ways, Palm Springs was the final hurdle to the finish line, the last big event for 2013. And now that Palm Springs (which was AMAZING) is behind me, I am knee-deep in a reflection puddle, sorting through the successes, failures, trials, tribulations, aspirations, dreams and realities of this year.

Lately, I feel that I am standing at a bit of a crossroads with my business. For the past three years I have tried very hard to balance being a working senior photographer and a workshop provider for photographers. But, keeping it equal and thoroughly managed has proved to be nearly impossible for me. When I focused too much time on one, I dropped the ball with the other- which stressed me out to no end, making me feel constantly behind and under the gun. Not a way I want to live.  While I can’t speak for all photographers out there, in my experience, I found it very difficult to balance both equally, because one will always be dominate over the other.  Now, I am NOT SAYING that I can’t do both, because I have been doing both.  What I AM SAYING, is that trying to juggle them 50/50 isn’t working for me anymore.

Creating is everything to me.  No matter what course my life takes me in, I will ALWAYS be a working photographer- either for myself or for clients.  It’s non-negotiable.  I am a Photographer.  Period.  However, I also love teaching and inspiring other photographers, too.  I am very passionate about photography and thrive on sharing my passion with others.  So walking away from being an Instructor/Mentor isn’t an option either.  In all honesty, I feel that I was meant to be both.  It was just a matter of choosing where I would like to focus more of my time and attention: Shooting or Teaching?  It was a very tough decision to make, but I forced myself to choose.

There are some very big goals that I have for myself, things I would like to accomplish and experience.  And I know that my mind won’t rest until I really commit and go after these big dreams because they live so strong within me, I can’t ignore them or suppress them any longer.  I have to go after them with an open heart and mind and allow myself the freedom to keep dreaming.  2014 is going to be a big year and I can’t wait to hit the ground running with her.  I hope you’ll chase dreams with me…