December 11, 2013

winter wonderland


How are your Christmas preparations coming along?


Shopping done?

Cookies baked?

My to-do list is getting pretty short, which is nice because it leaves me with plenty of time to complain about the weather.

Regardless of what you've heard, sub-zero temperatures aren't as glamorous as they sound.


Winter does have an occasional up-side though, and a snowy, wintery scene was the perfect backdrop for the fun Christmas session I had last year with one of my darling 2013 seniors.


This is one of my favorite sessions to date, and I love that my girls are always willing to go the extra mile and brave a little frostbite to make my visions come to life.

Montana girls? You are awesome.


This particular beautiful Montana girl makes my job especially easy. I just point my camera in her general direction and the magic seems to happen all on its own.


And don't even get me started on those eyes. Beyond gorgeous.


I'm already starting to daydream a bit about my upcoming senior season. It will be a bit of a re-building year, as I lost my word of mouth momentum by taking this last year off.


But ultimately, I think that is a good thing. That time off let me re-evaluate what I truly want my business to be and how I want it to fit into my life. I tend to let my business run my life, but that is no longer how it's going to happen around here. I struggle to say no. I'm a pleaser. Cancer is pretty sucky in most ways, but it's awesome for changing your perspective and your priorities.


All I know is that I love to create beautiful art through my photos. That's what gives me joy.

So here's my 2014 business plan.

Keep the Joy - Get rid of the stress.

That's it.

Think my accountant will approve?


Here's wishing you a less stress, more joy Wednesday everyone!

38 comments:

  1. Gorgeous pictures!! Makes me even want to come to Montana. ;) Beautiful young woman too. :) I've heard cancer does that for you. The ole Romans 8:28, God working together for good. :D

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  2. Stunningly beautiful - as always. Teresa - you have quite the gift. Keep it up!!

    Merry Christmas to you and yours!
    ~B

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  3. Beautiful post. I love it when you do.

    Totally random and superficial, but would you ask where she got those plaid/tartan rain boots? They are my family plaid and I've never seen anything like them. Ralph Lauren has a similar pair but not that plaid.

    carolinagirl1993 at yahoo dot com

    Thank you!

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  4. If only I could be a senior again - and in Montana! Your photos are always stunning, and yet somehow these still seem exceptional. Good luck on that business plan, I think i'll follow suit! =)

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  5. If I were a tad bit closer I would be having you take pictures of the girls all the time. Gorgeous Teresa! If I were your accountant I would totally go with your business plan. :)

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  6. Lovely photos! Beautiful beyond words. You have the most beautiful girls up there in Montana.
    So glad to see a post from you. Been a little worried and praying for you hoping that your absence didn't mean you are ill. Hope and prayers for a healthy and happy Christmas season.
    Cindy

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  7. This was just like receiving a Christmas card! LOVE IT. Hope you continue to do well in your recovery! Hugs and kisses from cold-and-getting-colder NEOhio. xo ~Sally

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  8. Both the photos and the Montana girl are breathtaking. You are very talented with the camera. The way you have set the scenes up is stunning.

    Christmas organised - yes in my head it is but in reality it might be time to finish it off.

    Oh how I wish I was surrounded by snow at the moment, in my part Australia and today it is hot and very humid.

    So glad to see you back and I hope you are going well.

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  9. You've got the right idea! I had a decorative painting cottage business for a number of years, and finally had to call it quits because until the end I couldn't say no. It's hard when you're a people pleaser, but in the end, it's your life and you're in control. Your photos are so breathtakingly beautiful, you should be able to pick and choose what you do. I hope you are feeling better and can truly enjoy the magic of the season, Teresa. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos of that gorgeous young woman and Merry Christmas!

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  10. I just love everything about this post....beautiful pictures, and words that ring so true.
    Blessed Christmas to you!
    Kari xxoo

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  11. That sled full of vintage treasures rang my chimes big-time! And the girl is gorgeous. I totally agree that you should do what you love and lose the stress. We're retired and I am happy not to *have* to do anything, but we're busy.. but with what we WANT to do. I posted some fun pix on my blog of a party I had here yesterday.. you're invited to pop over.

    ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
    *M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
    ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  12. Beautiful photos! What a stunning young lady. I still wish I could make the long journey to have you photograph my daughter. Maybe one day. Have a blessed Christmas season, Teresa!

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  13. I hope you don't mind that I am going to blatantly steal your business plan for myself. If asked, I will give you due credit.

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  14. Teresa, you are amazing!! First, the sled. It is the perfect Christmas display/prop. I always use the traditional bright red and green and this just fills the bill. Your pictures are pure magic, perfectly posed and with a beautiful model. These girls are so lucky to have you.
    Your business plan sounds just right. I finally learned to say no, and it made a huge difference. I hope your holidays and just as wonderful as you.

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  15. JOY..nothing better in life. Beautiful photos and darling model. Loving the sleigh in the first shot all loaded up with vintage goodies too.
    Happy day!

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  16. You truly do create beautiful art through your photos...gorgeous! And best wishes for a joyful and stress free new year!

    Kat

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  17. Gorgeous photos . . . this is your gift/talent . . . lovely girl too!

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  18. You are a wizard with that camera!
    If it would help, I will jet out and be the model for your senior photo re-launch.
    I can't help but think an almost-40 subject is just what you need to propel yourself back into the big league among the young'ns.
    You know how to reach me.

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  19. Your pics make the weather almost bearable....almost!
    Our temps have been single digits at night and the dreaded inversion has set in :(
    Did you get a chance to try the lashes?

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  20. You take the most amazing pictures I have ever seen. I wouldn't have to read a word you write because your pictures tell a story all their own, BUT I do love to read your stories and I'm thankful you are on the road to recovery. And I pray that your business goes exactly in the direction you want it to. I have no doubt your business will soar - your talent inspires me! Merry Christmas - I know this one will be extra special!

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  21. I don't know if your accountant will approve but I do! Your photos are gorgeous! what lucky seniors you have!

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  22. That 2nd picture! Oh.my.gosh. I want to live in that picture.

    So. Yeah. Keep the Joy - Get rid of the stress? That's my LIFE plan for 2014. Word. I'm getting a head start TODAY!!

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  23. Thank you for sharing your artwork of great photography and humorous prose with us. What a joyful and fun place this is to visit. Praying for a full recovery for you. xo

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  24. You are a amazing behind that lens. Your photography skills are out of this world and I'm not saying that because I love you so much either!!! Your model is gorgeous. I'm convinced I was born in the wrong state; Montana girls are gorgeous!!!

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  25. Your biz plan even brings *me* JoY. Best holiday update! Except I'm fighting severe photo envy. I already decided that my word for 2014 was going to be "carefree" because that reminds me what I want in my life and what I want to purge. Funny enough, for me that may mean I work more and earn more. And sell more vintage clutter that I can't take a decent pic of anyway... Need any boxes of "props" sent your way? ;-) Last year my word was "Grace" although I still struggle... Wishing you great joy and boundless energy to chase your dreams in 2014!
    xoxo
    Leslie

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  26. This photo session of yours is my favorite, too. She's just gorgeous and I love how everything came together, especially that outfit! I love your 2014 motto. :)

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  27. Love your photos, your model, and your new business plan. If your accountant has ever once looked at your photos...he's not going to be worried one little bit!

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  28. Sounds like a good plan. Your pictures are always stunning. Merry Christmas, Theresa, to you and your family.

    Hugs ~ Mary

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  29. I think your business is going to bounce back just fine. People will be scrambling to use you, you take fabulous pictures. I'm not talking technique, though you definitely have that. I'm talking soul!

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  30. Gorgeous eyes for sure! Pretty girl, great photos and great plaid BOOTS!

    I'm with you about cancer re-evaluating your life. I'm there too. Not much fun so I admire your passion!

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  31. Teresa, you asked about my health...they found my breast cancer in Mar 2012. It was in 6 lymph nodes so I had double mastectomy. Went through 16 treatments of chemo and then radiation. My oncologist feels its "advanced and aggressive". Scary. Found a fractured rib too recently, not sure yet if its related but strange and concerning nonetheless. Also having hip issues and am now recovering from a total hip done just before Christmas.
    It has changed my life in that I no longer "sweat the small stuff" but really look for joy in everything. Again my oncologist said that because of treatment no one knows how much time is left so to make the most of it (which really everyone should do). I'm very upbeat and optimistic so hope for many more years, but in the back of my mind, am REAListic too. I don't share much on my blog because I hate making ME the focus of it. I probably will share more later on but will minimize that for now.
    Thanks for asking...life is a precious gift!

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  32. Well well well said darlin!! Work work is pure gorgeousness and I'm so happy for you that it is a source of beauty for and from you - priorities officially straight!!

    Chat soon!! http://www.northerncottage.net

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  33. That should be everyone's business plan! :)

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  34. Haven't been here for some time. Just thinking about your lovely blog and hopped over. Oh my, this setting is gorgeous! And yes, the girl isn't bad either. lol! Yup, beautiful eyes and hair, and smile, and body. You get the picture! Love the sleigh all packed and ready. I so want to do something similar with my sleigh next year!
    hugs,
    Jann

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