Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017

I have felt exceptionally absent from my little business in the last few months. For those of you who do not know, I am expecting a baby in early January. It has been a very busy time as we have prepared for his arrival, wrapped up my time teaching and prepped for the Christmas season! Now, as we anticipate the arrival of our son, I have time to reflect and just be thankful for this last year including this little business that has grown to be near and dear to me.

2016 was an amazing year for Little Fish Photography. It was one of growth and learning, making mistakes and producing incredible images that I am really proud of. As I look back, I see just how much I took on and how much it has inspired me to continue pursuing photography throughout my maternity leave . I was able to shoot four weddings, several couples and engagement shoots as well as my first maternity and newborn shoots. I grew my repertoire, learned where I need to grow and what I need to put aside.

2017 holds new promises for me. I am starting my journey as a new mother, learning how to manage new responsibilities and reassessing my goals in all areas of my life. I have always been a goal setter and as a teacher, I pushed my students to have goals. I can just see them rolling their eyes as we write a new set of goals together ("Seriously, Madame Rempel?"). There is something about writing new goals. Something promising. Something beautiful. Something exciting. It means new possibilities and opportunities to feel empowered.

When it comes to my photography, I have always been setting small goals, mostly in the area of technique, however this year I am opening up new goals in hopes of growing my business. This year, I am posting them here, being vulnerable and open about them just as I ask my students to be. So, I invite the rolling eyes and the "Seriously, Leah?" But here I am, sharing with you, inviting you to share in my anticipation of an amazing new year.

1. Find an opportunity to volunteer my photography and time.
2. Book 8 weddings throughout 2017 and 2018, double what I did last year.
3. Collaborate with another photographer.
4. Go on 2 photography weekend getaways, exploring new places and spaces!
5. Create more dynamic, multi-layered images.
6. Attend one learning opportunity or workshop.
7. Have someone professionally critique my work.
8. Create a watermark and brand that reflects my photography style.
9. Blog consistently, once every 2-2.5 weeks.
10. Be more active on social media! Post 2-3 times a week.
11. Update my website with a fresh look, more consistent with my brand.
12. Triple my Facebook followers! (630 likes. I CAN DO THIS!)

Well, here they are. Ready to be achieved! Bring it on 2017!