ow!!!! How is it already the middle of April already!?!?! That is INSANE. 
 
So many amazing things have been going on... other than having bronchitis and so kindly sharing it with Ava and Chase.. whoops. Life has been pretty sweet!!!! 
 
So what's new with me... and with Sharon Elizabeth Photography..?!?!?!? 
 
1. I am coaching softball and we are currently 8-0 -- undefeated!!! They are a GREAT group of girls and I'm so pleasantly surprised to find them all SO encouraging and uplifting of one another -- they do NOT tolerate bullying and they love teaching each other new things!!! So incredible to see in such a young group of girls!!!! In light of softball season, I haven't been shooting much the past couple of months... all of my sessions have been pushed out to May (or later)... and I can tell you -- I may not make it out of May alive... bahaha!!!! 5 weddings -- and 13 sessions already scheduled...  
 
2. As of this month -- I have decided to no longer offer in-person viewings.. as much as I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing the reactions of my clients when they see their photos on the big screen - I've decided to put a hold on the image-viewing sessions for a while... maybe once Ava gets older things will be different.... but she is my priority.... I have also noticed that a quite a bit of my clients are traveling from 3+ hours away and that makes it SO difficult for them to come back to Smithfield to view their images. This just seems to be the best decision for not only myself, but for my clients as well. 
 
3. I have been working hard behind the scenes since last Oct/Nov with my website design team AND my videography team - I'm excited about our projects and sharing them with you in the months ahead.  
 
4. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and this doctor was AMAZING. We got to chatting about small business practices (as he runs his own practice)...and he mentioned in passing how I would notice that I would never have to wait in the waiting area and that I wouldn't see a ton of patients running around... he went on to say that he devotes all of his undivided attention to each of his patients and doesn't double book or over-book. This REALLY meant a lot to me as his patient. He also said that a lot of doctors like to compare the number of patients they see in a day... and he said he's not in it for the money -- he COULD get more patients if he wanted too, but he just really loves chatting with each patient. I told him that I do the same thing with my clients.... I know I've mentioned before that I only take on a certain number of weddings each year -- and in case I've never shared that number... that number is 15. This is probably less than HALF of what other professional wedding photographers take on... and it doesn't hurt my pride at all that I shoot 'less' weddings than they do... truly. I'm able to be home with Ava AND bless other photographers with referrals.... This is the number TWO reason why I've been expanding SEP and adding on Associate Photographers.... with the number ONE reason being to give my ideal clients a more affordable option for the SEP experience!!! So although I COULD take on more weddings... and in fact... I used to do 30 a year.... It's SO not what I want for my business.... And I know that a lot of photographers like to compare the number of sessions/weddings with one another -- but remember -- each of us have our OWN priorities - goals for our business AND prices... Focus on your OWN goals -- your OWN priorities and how well YOU are doing... you can't go wrong with that approach!!!  
 
5. I have officially decided to offer a Styled Shoot this year -- I've gotten too many requests to continue saying no! Be on the lookout for more information!! I haven't hosted one since I was pregnant with Ava =) (aka two years ago) 
 
6. I have sold my super ninja cool 4 runner!!!! It will be gone Sunday -- so this Saturday's wedding will be its last 'ride' as the SEP runner!!! I'm hoping to get an SUV with a third row -- my equipment is barely fitting in the runner now and with more folks joining the SEP team... we need an upgrade =) 
 
7. I will be posting more before/after photos soon on my post-pregnancy weight-loss journey.... I am so excited to share my results and more about what I've been up to!!! I'm happy to announce that I am finally at my pre-pregnancy goal weight!!!! Now my goal is to get back to my FIRST pre-pregnancy weight!!! I'll be honest - not only had I already gained some weight in that first pregnancy, but after losing that sweet baby --- I let myself go a little and didn't go to the gym or watch what I ate!!! It's crazy how far I've come emotionally since 2012... Man that was a rough year! 
 
8. I am a new auntie again -- my brother in law + sis in law just welcomed a sweet little baby boy this past weekend! Jaxon Randal! They are finally home today -- such a great day! 
 
9. Just a little FYI for those of you who are curious.. I have transitioned from an LLC to an SCorp.... I started as a Sole Prop back in 2009/2010... switched over to an LLC and that's what I've been for the past 4/5 years until 2015! 
 
10. Just a random PSA.... One thing that you'll find that I am a stickler on.... (mind you this is coming from someone who used to not KNOW better) -- I will not shoot on private property... If you have a session with me -- I'm very firm on location choices and ensuring that either a) we have permission to be there or b) shooting at a public park/etc.... Growing up in a small community with farmers/etc -- I understand the importance of respecting each other's property!!! I hope you'll appreciate that about me if you inquire about a session =) 
 
11. We have our first wedding of 2015 THIS Saturday!!!! 78* and sunny!!!! It's already looking like the perfect day!!!