Birthday

Its my birthday – well, not mine exactly, but it is the first anniversary for Dragonfly Photography. A year ago this month, I shot my first engagement session and booked my first solo wedding.

A huge thank you to all my wonderful clients; the photographers who’ve helped me establish my business and improve my photography; and my family and friends who’ve encouraged me, cheered me on and sent love my way.

I couldn’t have done it without you.

Angela and Geoffrey, thank you for your faith in my work and being my first wedding clients. Beth, thank you for your wonderful support and for talking me up to all your friends. Melanie, thanks for experimenting with me. I can’t wait to see your children’s playroom with your beautiful canvas. Chris, the amazing wedding photographer – your mentoring, support and encouragement are invaluable and so much appreciated, every time we speak. All the photographers at OSP have been an invaluable source of inspiration and advice. Jen and Hung, and Dave and Naomi, thank you for giving me the seeds and encouragement to launch Dragonfly Photography. Andrea and Matt – it has been such a pleasure to see Lukas grow, thank you for sharing him with me. Barbara, I cannot say enough good things about you (the only problem is, when I have clients we have in common, I end up spending far more time with them talking about how much we love you than I do taking pictures.) Sue, your business and marketing advice has been so useful for this business newbie. Gwen and Chad, Douglas and Mag, Chris and Haeshika, thank you for sharing your special days with me. Patricia and Ryan, Kim and Marty, Philippa and Jon, Olivia and Neal, I look forward to capturing your memories with you. Heather and Rod, thanks for supporting my work (and me). Desiree and Mark, my first maternity clients, I’m so happy to have caught your belly on (digital) film and so happy to see wee Stella grow. Tracy and Wayne – it was such a pleasure to capture your third pregnancy. Gemma, thank you for sharing your wonderful 3 (3!) boys with me. They are lovely. Christine – thank you for sharing your 3 boys. You are a great mom. Michelle and Chris, I loved photographing your family, and thanks for the new outdoor location tip – I’ll use that park often. Amanda, your children are great and I look forward to many more photo sessions. Angharad, it was such a pleasure to meet you and I will have your order done soon! Trish and Richard, your girls are so lovely and I’m looking forward to a playdate with our children. Kristine and Kent, I will be thinking about you a lot over the next few months. Come home safe Kent. Pam and Jay, your encouragement means so much to me and Jay, I am so touched that you cried when Pam gave your Christmas present. That is the best thank you. Savannah and Travis, your daughter is so sweet and I got some of my favourite pictures with her. Reshawn, your family has touched my heart deeply and solidified my belief that this career is the right choice for me. Zina and Cole, I can’t wait to meet your baby. Only four more weeks! Leanne and Kevan – one of my other set of favourite photos were the ones I did of you.

Mike, your support – both practically and emotionally has given me the confidence and means to pursue this wonderful career. Gabe and Isaac, thanks for being patient while I’m working and letting me practice with you. Mary Ann and Daddy, thank you for your support. Philippa, you were the first baby I photographed, so thanks for giving me the head start on this business. I can’t believe its 20 years later and you’re getting married. Thomas and Seth, thank you for your practical advice (which you probably don’t even remember giving, but it was useful.) Georgina, thank you for your beautifully encouraging words this Christmas. They mean a lot.

My dear friends, Kim, Lana, Jen, Jodi, Heather – your support, advice and critique have been so valuable and appreciated.

And for the good news/bad news. Now that I have a better handle on the business of photography, I realize I need to adjust my prices to reflect the amount of work that goes into creating your finished product. The good news is – if you book a session for 2008 before the end of February, I will honour my 2007 prices. After March 1st, the 2008 prices will apply. Some of you already have sessions booked – if you want to confirm the dates, please send me an email.

Thank you all again, and happy birthday to Dragonfly Photography.

I look forward to seeing you soon.