My 2013 Goals

The goals have been written (in pencil) for awhile now. It's time to pen them in and make it official. It's easy to dream, but harder to act. Sharing these goals with YOU and making myself accountable is step One.

My 2013 Goals:

1.  Shoot an elopement ...or several elopements...I LOVE the intimacy & tenderness!
2.  Work more with the Albany Southern Belles & Gent Dance Team, because they are awesome.
3.  Shoot a birth...or two. Capture emotions, focus on telling the story.
4.  Shoot 10 weddings/elopements in 2013; stop devaluing my work based on fear.
5.  Shoot a wedding proposal!
6.  Go backpacking.
7.  Blog at least 1-2 times per week.
8.  Blog all sessions - showcase work that fits what I want to shoot in the future.
9.  Be more business-minded when it comes to To-Do Lists.
10.  Drink more water. (Yes, this actually needs to be a goal for me if it's gonna happen.)
11.  Focus more on Intimate Portraiture/Boudoir.
12.  Whether it be for work or for fun - use my passport at least once.
13.  Spend more time with wild and crazy kiddos.
14.  Photograph ALL albums/canvases that are ordered. It never seems urgent, but I always regret it after they're gone.  :(
15.  Network with awesome local vendors like Downtown Shabby, Emma, Flinn Block Hall, The Vue, Sweet Dreams Cupcakery & more!
16.  Send more notes to friends & clients - write down what I'm thinking - and share it. People like to hear nice things.

Suddenly 2013 is looking pretty awesome.  I can't wait!

Guest Lists & Tough Decisions

The other day I had a phone meeting with one of "my" 2013 brides. I could hear the stress in her voice. The source? The guest list. It was too big for her venue and her budget. But she couldn't stomach The Cuts. Can you relate?

After sputtering about how I was sure it would be ok, I actually remembered something useful for dealing with your huge guest list. She seemed relieved with our plan. I was so proud of us for being phone geniuses that I decided to brag about our awesome wisdom on tackling the dreaded Guest List Cuts.

Instead of "cutting" people, we decided to tackle it from the other side. If you'd like to try it yourself, grab a bunch of different colors of highlighters or markers that won't make your list disappear. Go get your big, intimidating guest list. Maybe also grab a glass of wine.

Step 1: Grab your first marker. Highlight those people on your list who absolutely, positively MUST come to your wedding or you'll cry and cry for days.

Step 2: Grab another highlighter color. Include anyone who wasn't included in step 1, but will definitely be invited to the wedding. If your families are contributing to your wedding (and guest list), this category is for you.

Step 3: Grab another color. The next category are the people you guys would really, really like to have at your wedding.

Keep this up until everyone on your guest list has a color/category.

Your venue and your budget "should" definitely allow for everyone highlighted in at least the first two colors you picked (preferably more). I know that this doesn't change the reality of your situation. It just (hopefully) makes it easier to address.

One final thought - as you receive RSVPs from people who are unable to attend, it's OK to invite some of those (preferably local) people you couldn't quite squeeze in on the first round.