Where Have I Been?

So, if you have been wondering what I have been up to lately, I'll fill you in.

I have taken a huge leap and jumped head first in to starting a photography business! Big deal, I know. I never thought I would be the owner of my own business, but here I am, well on my way.

It all started about a month ago. I created a Facebook business page just for kicks really. Now I have had about seven shoots, including one newborn. Not all of them paid, but shoots nonetheless. I also photographed Ashlee and Andrew's wedding. Big learning experience, but I could definitely get used to it with some more experience and practise. I have two more newborns on the way, one maternity, a couple of back-to-school and two family shoots between now and October. It has definitely picked up quickly! For my first month in business, I have got to say that I have done fairly well. I even have my own website!

www.cherishedmemoriesbyem.com

Right now I am just working on getting my name out there. I've been offering a portfolio discount to get myself started, get some shoots in to build my portfolio up. And I just have to say that I think I improve with every shoot I do. Just looking back at photos from a month ago and photos now, there is a huge improvement. And that is the goal, isn't it? To always be improving yourself and your work.

Getting my name out there isn't easy, though. Especially not with over 30-40 other photographers in the area, and several just starting to promote their businesses like me. There is a lot of competition. It is tempting sometimes to lower myself to get more business, to offer cheaper prices, to give more photos, etc. But I have to remind myself that in the end, I come out looking like the better, more professional photographer. So, I lose a few jobs because I'm not charging ridiculously low or giving 150-200 photos for each 1 hour long session. It's worth it, or it will be in the end.

I have been pretty full steam ahead with this photography business. It has evolved quite quickly. Once I decided it was what I was going to do it all happened so fast. I think I have gotten a bit ahead of myself in some respects. I do have to learn to be more patient. That A). I will not be a phenomenal photographer overnight, B). my business will not take off overnight, and C). that I will not have all of the equipment/props that I want overnight. It's going to take time, effort, and a whole lot of money.

But, it is coming and it will continue to grow. I cannot wait to see where I am this time next year.

So yeah, that and Tristan have been keeping me very busy. Tristan especially...

I seriously cannot believe the rate at which that boy is growing. Craziness.

Tristan is 3 Months!!!

Well, it has been a while. Too long. I miss writing here and I feel bad for having neglected it for so long. My life has been so busy lately, but I promise that I will try to do a better job of updating regularly.

Tristan was three months old as of Sunday, July 12. Three months old! Wow. He is getting so big. It amazes me every single day just how much he has changed. It honestly seems like everyday I look at him and think "Did you get bigger since yesterday?", especially since he has been going through his 3 month growth spurt. He won't be weighed and measured until Thursday, but I am guessing that he is closing in on 15.5 - 16 pounds and 26 inches. I will let you know the exact numbers when I find out on Thursday.

Not only is Tristan growing in size, but he is also growing developmentally really well. He has started rolling over, although it is still hit and miss. We know he can do it. He has done it enough times now that I think it is safe to say that he has hit that milestone. However, sometimes he just won't do it. He has also started trying to roll from back to belly. He's not quite there yet but he has almost done it a few times so we know he is trying.

My little man is such a happy baby, too! It is almost always so easy to make him smile and giggle. He "talks" a lot, cooing and gurgling and squealing. Sometimes it really sounds like he is trying to form little sentences. He is so animated when he does this that it really seems like he is trying to converse with you. He started laughing a while ago, however, he mostly only does it for Daddy. I have only been able to get him to belly laugh once or twice.

Unfortunately this recent growth spurt has turned my normally sweet, happy, easily pleased baby in to a big fuss pot, grumpy pants. It has been a rough two weeks so far. It has been even more difficult lately because he has decided to boycott his naps and will not nap for more than ten minutes at a time (20 if I am lucky). I am definitely not used to this new Tristan and I will admit I get quite flustered and frustrated when he starts fussing and acting up. I am just hoping that this is only a phase and that he will go back to my easy going baby soon.

I'm not saying that he is always grumpy and fussy (although it certainly seems like it sometimes). He still has lots of happy, smiley moments. Here is a photo of my little man's smile.

Nothing compares...

Tristan loves the camera, by the way. I definitely think that he thinks I have a camera permanently attached to my face. Haha!