One Year | A Deeply Personal Post

They said it takes time. They said it will happen. They said be patient. 

For a year I had been debating really committing myself to Emily Jane Photography. She had been this little thing in the back of my mind that kept popping up. What if I fail? Will anyone take me seriously? What if I get no clients? And somewhere along those questions and fears, I decided to just go for it. I tell you friends, its been a year. There are moments that aren't pretty. I'm still learning so much. How do you ever stop? I recently read on another photographer's blog (I think it was Jasmine Star, but don't quote me on that) about new photographers being scared to consider themselves a photographer. I felt like she was speaking right to me! Can I consider myself a photographer without the most amazing website (it takes time), without shooting a client every week, shooting a wedding? The shooting a wedding one really had me hung up. Would anyone take me seriously if I wasn't booking weddings? This sounds crazy when said out loud but I had this ridiculous thought that I will finally consider myself a photog once I shoot a wedding. Which is preposterous. This year I've shot portrait sessions, best friends, a maternity session, families, and engagement sessions. And drum roll please......I've booked my first wedding for 2015. That was a leap of faith. I've been asked several times before but didn't accept until it felt right. They said it will happen.  
And it did. In my heart, I knew taking on this wedding was exactly right for me. 

                                          The Emily Jane Wedding Experience 

                                                          Emily Jane Brides

Those words make me want to cry. Big happy tears. Tears that say why did you ever doubt yourself? All things come at the right time. 

I love every last minute of what I do. I love emailing with a new client, I love scoping out a new location, actually shooting (right as the sun goes down and everything is glowy and romantic), editing and delivering my photos. I don't think people always realize how much goes into photography. I take pride in my work and feel scared when I hand over images. I've worked hard through the whole process to make sure my client gets the best. And that moment when you hand them over is a frightening one. What if they hate them? I want them to love them. As I love them. I could stare at certain pictures for hours and watch out the light plays up different aspects of the composition. How does that picture make me feel? When you no longer realize you're looking at a picture and you are just feeling whats in that picture, you know you have a fantastic image on your hands. That's what I strive for. Always. 

So thank you. Thank you a hundred times over. To everyone. There really aren't words to appropriately thank everyone (and I would need another blog post for each person). What a wonderful first year this has been and I can't wait to see what 2015 has to offer! 

Rayleigh | Holiday Shoot

You've seen Rayleigh grace the posts of this blog several times, and here she is once again! This time its for her Christmas pictures! She was incredibly well mannered and tolerated all her outfit changes and re-positioning! What fun it was to shoot this snuggly, happy baby and an honor to document her first holiday season!! Happy holidays baby Rayleigh!! Enjoy :) 

Thanksgiving | Personal

This is my favorite time of year. I love being surrounded by all our family and friends. This year is the first Thanksgiving we are engaged and we decided we were going to do all the holidays with both families (ambitious I know). In the past we have been primarily separate as to make the holidays easier on everyone (but I really missed Bryce and I think he missed me too!). So our Thanksgiving schedule was as follows: Wednesday night up to Bryce's parents (in the snow!!), Thanksgiving lunch at 12, then off to my family at 2 for Thanksgiving dinner #2 at 4! By the time we got home last night we were so exhausted (and full) but with our hearts so happy. Below are a few snapshots of our holiday! Its amazing what a tripod (or monopod stuck in the snow because someone forgot the tripod-ahem Bryce) and a timer can do! You might even see one of these again on our Christmas card...! I hope you all had a wonderful day full of family, friends, and food! I know how blessed I feel that we are surrounded by such wonderful people! 

A letter to my future husband | Personal

Happy anniversary my love. 
It feels like these last 5 years were have gone by in the blink of an eye. Each year I'm always amazed at how quickly our anniversary shows up. This is our last one before we become husband and wife. Those words sound so foreign, yet so perfect and familiar at the same time. I have always known it was you. Before we ever started dating, I knew my life would never be boring with you in it. And I was right. Every day isn't perfect; our home isn't always tidy. dinner isn't more than guacamole and cheese, and there's a good chance I've asked you for my millionth back rub. But its our life, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love the home we have built together, the adventures we have (oh the many adventures-Remember that time I cried on the top of Beirstadt in Colorado?) and the quiet moments of just being together. I love that on Saturday mornings we take our time getting up, and now in the winter we lay by our fire for hours. Thank you for waking up in the middle of the night when I don't feel good and rubbing my back until I can fall asleep, for telling me how it is even when I'm so wrong, always carrying the heaviest of the grocery bags, and for always always always emptying the dishwasher because you know how I hate to. I love this season of life, specifically I love life with you and I wouldn't want to do it any other way. 

                                  "I have found the one whom my soul loves." 

Jared + Missy | Holiday Mini Session

Jared + Missy got married this spring and wanted to do some family pictures with their sweet dog, Winnie for the holidays! Winnie was super well behaved and very photogenic, just see for yourself! SO excited to start getting into the holiday spirit!