2019 was a crazy year for me and one that brought on an incredible amount of growth, many accomplishments, and taken me a long way!
A year ago Laura's Lenses didn't exist. I knew I liked taking photos, but I didn't know if it was something I liked as a hobby or something I wanted to get serious about. Since starting Laura's Lenses in February of 2019 there are so many things that have been going on to help make it what it is today. I've had to learn the overwhelming art of how to run a business. There is so much that goes into running a business such as the legalities, paperwork, taxes, insurance, and other costs. It's been an educational journey filled with lots of hard work, but it's been extremely rewarding. Behind the scenes I've made numerous changes and upgrades to ensure that I provide the best and easiest service possible. I've made improvements in my payment processes, my online delivery and galleries, my contracts, on giving feedback, and even my communication processes. My online presence has been constantly growing and developing. My website has undergone huge transformations and my brand as a whole has become a cohesive brand. My Instagram and Facebook have been steadily growing as I've been become more active on social media.
In my opinion, my greatest advancement in the year of 2019 was my photography and skills. I started the year as being an okay photographer who changed their editing style for every shoot to a photographer who has more experience, more knowledge, more consistency, and is committed to delivering great photos. I've gained confidence in myself and my knowledge which has completely transformed my business because I no longer feel like a girl in the corner pressing buttons, but instead am the girl who is not scared to direct or take charge because she knows what will make a great photo. I don't feel like a chicken with my head cut off anymore, I am energized and excited to take on new projects! I could not have gotten this far without the amazing network of people I have behind me. From my friends and family who have been the most supportive, to the growing network of other professionals that I have gained as a photographer, I am truly lucky.
While I think it's important to take a step back every once in a while and look at how far you've come, and all that you've accomplished, I think it's even more important to look to the future and dream and plan for what is coming next! I've set the groundwork for many things and I'm ready to take off running.
2020 will be MY year!
Here are some things to look forward to, from Laura's Lenses, in 2020!
More Photos!
I'm going to be shooting CONSTANTLY this year! I'm excited that I've got my workflow down to a point where I can have faster turnarounds and spend more time out and about with my camera! I can't wait to share the awesome memories I'll capture from behind my lens with you!
Mini Sessions
That's right. Mini sessions! I've been getting so many requests for mini sessions that I have to do some! I've got plans to make my mini sessions extra special and unique so that's something to look forward to this year!
WEDDINGS!
2020 is the year where I go from being a second shooter at weddings to shooting my own weddings and I could not be more excited! I have become completely enamored by the wedding world and I've found that I have great passion for wedding photography! Be prepared for lots of wedding photos and wedding related content coming from Laura's Lenses!
Working With More Creators
Something that I've done in 2019 and will continue in 2020, is working with creators! I love helping someone develop their brand, sell awesome products, or share their creativity with the world! As a business owner myself I know how much hard work goes into something like that and I'm happy to see other brands grow and be able to say that I was part of that growth.
New Blog Posts
Just like this post here, there will be many, many, many more blog posts to come this year! From tips and tricks to wedding help to an insight on what's going on in my life. I hope to entertain, inform, and create posts that are meaningful.
Products!
2020 is the year that we're going beyond the screen! I still think digital images are important, but I think it's so much better to have something you can physically hold in your hands. I also hope to do another creative series or two like the wine series I did in 2019 where anyone can get some awesome art for their home.
More on Social Media
I have to be honest, while I understand social media, I'm not always the greatest at using it to it's full potential. I tend to forget about it completely some days. This year I intend to change that and post more. I want to post more photos from my sessions, but I also want to share more behind the scenes and interact more with my followers. I want to start conversations and learn more about you while showing you my world.
Quarterly Newsletter
I am very excited to announce that this year I will be debuting my own newsletter! This newsletter will be about what's going on with Laura's Lenses and any upcoming projects as well as exclusive offers and promotions! The first newsletter will go out in February and will be quarterly for the rest of the year! I can't wait to share more about that with you soon!
More From the Experience
This is something I've been making strides for in the latter half of 2019, but I am eager to do even more in 2020! I want your experience with Laura's Lenses to be a great one! I want to make it as stress-free as possible and I want you to walk away with a smile on your face and some photos for you to keep forever! I don't want Laura's Lenses to be a brand where I see you take photos and never talk to you again. I'm committed to making the experience MORE.
Collaborations
Collaborations will be a big part of Laura's Lenses in 2020. I plan to work with lots of other photographers, videographers, and artists to produce some great content for everyone! I also am looking forward to collaborating with other vendors, venues, and local businesses to share what great things are available locally!
Videos
I'm not quite sure in which capacity you'll be seeing videos from me in 2020, but rest assured there will definitely be videos in 2020! It could be promotional videos, videos from sessions, behind the scenes, or even vlogs so keep an eye out!