Hudson Valley Family and Newborn Photographer
Stephanie Lozano Photography
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, it will no doubt look differently. This whole year has really been a challenge, and even holidays which are supposed to bring people together and bring us joy, are carrying a different meaning. It seems the heaviness and worries continue to mount and feel overwhelming… anyone else with me? But in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I have taken a pause to reflect on how to look at this year a little differently, and dare I say, a positive spin! I know you can too, if you dig really, really deep. It doesn’t erase the suffering, loss, and hardship, but it does give us something to be hopeful for. And I think that’s something we can all hold onto.
When this year started, I knew the dreams I had for my business. But as the months carried on into 2020, those dreams were becoming uncertain ideas. Selfishly I asked, how would all of this affect my plans? I quickly knew I needed to shift mindsets. With the downtime in the spring during lockdown, I poured hours into my website, invested into a virtual mentorship (Thank you Ashley!), and studied classes and techniques, to fine tune a craft I had worked on for nearly 20 years. I developed a clear vision of what I wanted to offer to clients, which most of all, was backed by a business that was true to who I was. I was doing this for the love of it, for the passion, and not for any other reason. I told myself, if it wasn’t fun or bringing me joy, then I knew it wasn’t worth it anymore.
As the months rolled by, and things slowly started to open back up, I worked on portfolio sessions. Unsure if anyone would have faith in what I was putting out there continued to be on my mind. For anyone who has started a business knows, there is an element of vulnerability and exposure that goes into pouring your heart into something, and that can cause mixed feelings (at least for me it did!) All I could do was trust the process, and the work I put into my photography, and hope that it would work itself out. And as summer came and life opened up again, so did inquiries and bookings.
This year has humbled me in ways I didn’t expect. I tend to have control over so many areas of my life- my home, family, kids, lifestyle, etc. This was an aspect that was completely out of my control. Can anyone else relate? The gratitude I have for the families who have trusted me with their stories in really indescribable. As anyone who has started a business out of a passion knows, when others begin to see the value in something you have put so much of your time and energy into, it gives back to you ten fold. The satisfaction from that makes all the hardship worth it.
So THANK YOU to everyone who has allowed me into your home, your space, and your family. Who has shared personal and beautiful details about your children and your relationships with me. And know, that you have given me so much to be thankful for. 2020 is the year of silver linings for sure, and I have found many!
And on a personal note, we are excited to be welcoming our third little babe, a boy, into this crazy world come January! By far, our biggest blessing this year.
My warmest and best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season!
