In true New Years spirit I’ve done some self-reflection and there seem to be two re-occurring themes when I think of 2016: marathons and planning. What do these two things have anything to do with photography? Read on:

In October around the Chicago Marathon I tune into one of the Chicago-based radio stations. Every year they talk to marathon runners who decide to take on those 26.2 miles, without training. The radio station interviews these runners the day before the race and the day after, and it always gives me good belly laughs as I listen in disbelief. I mean, who thinks they can take on a marathon WITHOUT training?! How can that possibly be a good idea? I find such amusement in this idea because it’s the furthest thing from what I would ever do.

I am a planner to the fullest. I am a lover of lists — and have been known to even create lists within lists. Walls of my house are real-life Pinterest boards filled with colors, furniture, DIYs — and just inspiration for renovation projections. My inspiration ideas go up on the walls and come down, until things feel “just right” and then the renovation project can begin. My grocery lists are organized by “like” items and grouped by aisles in the store. (See – list within a list!) These are just a few examples of things that are crazy to many, but to me it just makes sense.

So when reflecting on 2016 and all that I’ve tackled, I have no doubt that I was training for my marathon. (Metaphorical marathon of course, because let’s face it I hate running…)

I have so many plans and hopes for my little plaid & paisley photography and while so many times throughout the year I wanted to say “I’ll figure things out later” and just GO…GO…GO and run — like those untrained marathon runners, I always grounded myself from that 15-minute daydream high. I knew to go the distance, or have any chance in crossing the finish line, I needed to take my time and do things right. So 2016 was all about the basics and establishing a solid foundation: website, blog, social media, pricing, business cards, online seminars, reading, following amazing photographers, and of course playing with my camera. My year wasn’t glamorous or sexy, but it was necessary. And being able to tackle all those “to do’s” in 2016 has me so looking forward to this upcoming year.

So “bring it” 2017 – this ultra-planner, non-runner, photo lover is ready.

And if you made it ALLLL the way to the end of my blog entry, here are just a handful of images from 2016 that make my heart happy.