2021 Year in Review, 2022 Plans and Goals

Emerging from the cocoon of the 2019-2020 coronavirus slowdown, 2021 proved to be a year for the record books for my small business!

This year was a first in so many ways. My biggest accomplishment was the pure VOLUME of clients I had requesting sessions! For the first time ever, I had over 20 seniors, and fit all their sessions into about 3 months. All that on top of working a full time job, and working overtime at said job! Every single day, I had either a photo session or a work day at my regular job- and sometimes both! I travelled for some seniors- 2 or 3 hours away because we found an amazing location, or because the senior was super special to me. Some seniors needed their session split over 2 days, and I made that happen too. All in all, the senior experience at JNP grew heartily in 2021 and I loved every minute of meeting these wonderful teens!

That's not to say that I photographed only seniors. I had newborns, families, kids, sports teams, and couples in front of my camera this year. I met new clients, had returning clients, and even got to celebrate a gender reveal photo session with a sweet little family in front of my camera. I scheduled mini-sessions in conjunction with a local small business Christmas tree farm, and had beautiful weather and wonderful families!

And while I'm not specifically a wedding photographer, I also had the privilege of photographing 2 special weddings this fall. I couldn't ask for better couples and better locations to work with, and it definitely made me excited for what's to come.

And finally, I invested in my business and myself. I bought a new camera- the latest technology from Canon, and R5, and I still can't believe it's mine when I hold it in my hands. I also have invested in some educational classes and found a new favorite photographer to follow and model some of my techniques after.

2022 holds a lot of optimism and excitement for me. I've expanded my studio offerings and have found a wonderful location near downtown Akron to partner with for indoor pictures over these winder months. This space is wonderful for all kinds of sessions and will allow me to offer more flexibility year round.

I have also tested and implemented a booking system that allows me to book and collect session fees via email and online payment, so no more worries about bringing session fees to your session.

I haven't updated prices since 2016, but my suppliers have increased prices and their more expensive shipping costs have been passed on to me, and my time has become more limited. For these reasons, a small price increase will be implemented in 2022.

This year, I hope to continue growing my business and finding quality customers who embody the spirit of support for small business entrepreneurs. To all my current clients- thank you for your support and all the wonderful words of encouragement you've given me and time you've spent with me! I hope you will continue to support me by coming back for another session, or referring a friend to schedule their own session! To all my future clients- I am looking forward to seeing you in front of my camera. Get your smile ready, and get ready to create some great memories that will last a lifetime!

Looking forward to a great 2022!

{Seniors} Meet Sammy K.!

I'm way behind on posting my senior sessions, but today I'm rolling out this sneak peek for this amazing young lady, Sammy K.!

Sammy is a senior at Hoover, and hasn't decided on what college she wants to attend. She's making a pretty short list though, and I'm sure her choice will be perfect for her!

We planned an August session, right in the middle of the day. Not my favorite time to take pictures, but thanks to some overcast skies, I hardly struggled with shadows or lighting issues. And even though the day was hot and humid, Sammy was totally on board with all the locations I had on our agenda!

We started at a local park and made the most of the architecture...

...as well as the natural beauty!

This terra cotta colored outfit was the perfect complement to the earth tones in this field. Isn't the bokeh (that's photographer speak for background blur) just delicious?! So soft and smooth! But Sammy was the real star of this show....

She's a natural beauty, and has a beautiful smile!

After the park, we went downtown to explore a little less natural (but equally floral-y) location! This location was perfect with Sammy's trendy clothes- ripped "mom" jeans seem to be all the rage right now!

Talk about fun texture and location! I love Sammy's choice of this accessory...a denim jacket for the win!

A little black and white magic shows off Sammy's trendy style and fun personality!

But nothing beats this genuine, radiant smile!!

If you can't end your session in a water fountain, you're not doing it right!! Sammy was all-in with this fun (but wet) finish!

Thanks for sharing this super start to your senior year, Sammy! I always have fun with your family, but I especially loved this session and your willingness to be spontaneous, creative, and fun! I'm looking forward the next session we are planning!!

Until next time, Keep smilin'!!

{Weddings} Jeannie and Corey

I had the distinct pleasure of photographing a beautiful wedding this past weekend. And then I immediately went on vacation. But that didn't stop me- I couldn't wait one more day to share some pictures of Jeannie and Corey's special day!

I mean, can you understand why I would take a break from vacationing to share this?!?!

The venue was P-E-R-F-E-C-T-I-O-N! Rolling Meadows Ranch is a beautiful country setting in Lebanon, Ohio with a lake, fields, and a beautiful lodge for a wedding day.

The simple greenery to mark the aisle was beautifully offset by the vibrant punchy colors in Jeannie's bouquet. In the pictures from the ceremony, you will also see a beautiful arrangement on the fireplace mantel. Flowers provided by Osterbrock Florist.

She said "yes" to the man in February, and "yes" to the dress in March. Both are absolutely perfect for her! (Dress from Bridal and Formal).

Jeannie and Corey chose NOT to do a first look, but instead Jeannie did a First Look with her dad. My eyes got a little misty during this moment, and I'm so glad I got to capture this special time for them! (Make sure you click to scroll through the series....your eyes might get misty too!!)

The ceremony was original and personal, and included friends and family. There were even flowermen, and they set the mood for a fun, lighthearted evening!

The officiant is a close friend of Corey's from high school, and it was so meaningful that the couple was able to involve so many people from so many parts of their lives.

After the ceremony, there were formal pictures, and few quiet moments for the happy newlyweds to take some beautiful pictures on the ranch.

The happy couple was introduced to the crowd and the reception started with toasts and all the requisite dances. Mother/Son, Father/Daughter, and even a couples dance that ended with the two couples married the longest and shortest amounts of time!

The food was great, catered by City Barbecue, but this cake....I'm gonna take a second to dry off my keyboard from the mouth-watering goodness! Brandi Flannery at Bakes By B Cake Design, you are amazing!!

The weather was hot, but the reception was about to be even hotter! There was dancing, fun, and foolery for all! If you didn't have fun, you weren't at the same reception as this happy couple!

I have spared you most of the pictures of the fun and foolery, (they'll be included in the bride and groom's gallery!) but this picture of a wet dance floor summarized much of the fun. (Yes, that's a cell phone in the middle of the dance floor....it's scrolling a "Slippery when wet" message to alert all the dancers! It stopped most- but not all- from cutting a rug in the slippery areas!)

Finally when the revelry died down, the bride and groom were able to enjoy a quiet moment together before their big send-off!

The night ended with a sparkler send-off, and this lovely couple was off to enjoy their honeymoon!

Best wishes to Corey and Jeannie as they start their new life together! I'm sure they will enjoy a lifetime of memories from this special start to their future!!

Leave a comment wishing the best for the happy couple!