Baby, I've Come a Long Way | Maine Children & Family Photographer

      It starts out as just a thought. You stew over the idea of this dream. You then tell it to the few people you trust to give you an honest opinion. You then stew over it some more. You gain the support and blessings of those around you. You begin putting your dream into action. It is hard. You sacrifice so much right from the very beginning. You're on a rollar coaster and success seems so far in the future. You're at the mercy of fate, destiny and the opinions and support of everyone around you...including complete strangers. There are set backs and accompliments. Some days you want to give up and some days you are overwhelmed with pride. To think that you jumped head first into something that not everyone thought was possible is scary. To actually pull through 2 years later and see a light at the end of the tunnel...priceless. You must never give up on your dreams! 

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."  ~ Harriet Tubman

      Today, I saw a little of that light. I got to finally feel like I accomplished something. Like I have somehow been acknowledged for all my hard work. How was this accomplished you ask? Well, let me give you a little back story first. As many of you know, after 2 years of running a pretty successful photography business and trying my hand at all areas, I have decided that my heart lies with Children & Families. My specialties will include Birth, Maternity, Newborn, Children, High School Seniors and Families. I still plan to offer Weddings at one per month. I've been preparing to take this direction for months, but I am just now announcing it...though I'm sure many of you knew I would eventually take this path since it's my heart and soul! Photographing Children and Families makes me so proud and so happy! It's what drives my true passion and gives me a great sense of purpose and pride :)

     Now, was that the big announcement I was going to make? No, not really. But it is still important for me to tell you! So what is this big news you may be asking me? What I did want to say is this: Baby, I've come a long way! From the very scary (not so perfect) first free sessions to my amazing (one of a kind) recent sessions...a few things have always been in the back of my mind. To always strive to learn and grow and be the best I can be. To be loved and supported in my dreams. To be looked up to and willing to help others. To have my work be admired and appreciated. And let's be honest...all artists dream of having their work on display for everyone to see! Well...that IS my big announcement! :) I know this may seem like small news to some, but to me it's BIG! This is my first step in having my dream acknowledged! For 2 years I have been driven towards the goal of displaying my work and today I finally got to hang some of my favorites up! Honestly, I have Dr. Glidden to thank for it!

     As you may know, I photographed Dr. Glidden's family when she introduced her bundle of joy, Malcolm, into this world. When delivering her print order to her office, I was asked by the staff if I can hang up some of my work in their office. Needless to say, I was speechless! I get a big, ridiculous grin just thinking of everyone who will be in the waiting room starting tomorrow oohing and ahhing over my work!!! And the news gets even more exciting! I will ALSO be putting up some of my work in their Augusta office AND in the new hospital being built in Augusta! OMGosh...I could DIE! I really just can't begin to explain in words how much this means to me and how unbelievably proud I am of myself. I just never gave up and I never will. This is only the beginning for me. I can feel it. I see myself pushing and working harder than ever now. I see myelf setting goals that I will tackle with great passion. I see my work in so many more places. When and how I get there is up to me. 

     So, yeah, I'm happy. I really have come such a long way in such a short time and I have you all to partly thank for that. Thank you all for trusting me, believing in me, supporting me, pushing me, complimenting me, referring me and most of all...continuously booking with me! I love you all! You are like long lost friends to me and I am honored to be a part of your family. I hope you enjoy being on this journey with me as I know I sure do appreciate your company :)

For those of you DYING to know which babies made it to these walls...feast your eyes on this! (And yes, there will be more additonal photos up at the other locations and will be announced as well!)

I may be a bit biased, as Miss Abriella is my cousin...but I couldn't resist :)

This is an obvious choice as it's also my profile photo! Miss Lauren makes me want a daughter :)

I had the pleasure of not just photographing Brodey's newborn session, but his birth as well! Truly amazing :)

What can I say about Miss Aubri besides the fact that her beautiful smile always makes ME smile :)

Owen was only my 2nd newborn session believe it or not. We've had several sessions since then. They grow up fast :)

And last, but certainly not least...Dr. Glidden's baby boy, Malcolm.  The cutest thing since puppies :)