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!
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