Resolutions: for a new year.

January 1st, 2013 | SarahLove

That’s all I needed. To add another list to the others. Not.

But that’s okay. Because I have so many things that I have accomplished this year, added some items along the way and still have some ‘tasks’ that I am working on, possibly things that will move to the forever list, list.

I have been thinking all of the 2012 year about how I am going to make one of my goals come true and still continue my passionate dream job of photography.

Throughout 2012 I happily donated a lot of my time to family and friend support, both financially and mentally. I also dedicated quite a bit of time and money/gifts to strangers, random acts of kindness. Many people (friends, family and people I didn’t know and some I will never meet) anonymously. If I say that, does that mean I’m not being anonymous anymore? I wonder. I feel really lucky that I was able to give so much. But it leaves me with a feeling of regret as well. I didn’t ever feel like it was enough. I understand that I should give what I can and learned along the way that it’s crucial that I save some (time, energy and finances) for myself as well. But my mission is far from over.

How am I possibly going to give more and be able to continue my photography? I thought to the point of tears a few months ago when I found myself seriously considering a photography job that was listed online that would pay me minimum wage. It was a ‘no experience necessary’ studio with a fake seasonal background, formal poses and images sold by the sheet. Not that that is bad thing, don’t get me totally wrong. It was just feeling so very wrong for my path, my passion and the type of images I create. So, I closed the window and kept thinking…. of my goals.

To give more.

To love more.

Anyone can think of dreaming all day long and that won’t ever equal results.  You have to put your dream plan to action.

So, I am. Starting now.

For the ENTIRE year of 2013, I am donating proceeds of my creative time and talent to people that are less fortunate. What exactly doesn’t that mean? I have no idea. Just kidding. I know EXACTLY what it means. I’ve spent an entire year thinking!

It means that I am taking bookings for my talent and all monies ‘due’ is a donation amount chosen by YOU. I am happy to give you my prices on what I typically would charge if that helps you decide what your donation should be. There are many questions that people might have. Such as, does this apply to family sessions with a horse? YES. Does this apply to birth photography documentation? YUP. Does it apply to weddings? I DO. H o l y crap. I can’t believe I just typed that.

I’ve ran it over in my head multiple times but to see it typed out is making it REAL.

But wait. You are probably wondering about the small print aren’t you? What about getting gift prints and image ownership? Those are things that you have the option to purchase, at the amount that I was already charging in 2012. Prints start at only $10! Image ownership starts at just $50! For example: What if your wedding is taking place in California or Canada? It counts. If you love my work, email me. If you have any questions, email me!

info(at)sarahlovephotography(dot)com

To the photographers that might not understand my ‘pricing structure’, please know that this is my resolution and goals of being able to give more and love more. I shouldn’t have to explain myself and I know my intentions. They are of goodness. Nothing to do with competition or booking numbers. If you still don’t get it, then it’s possible you never will. It’s never been about the numbers for me. I just want to document people. If I can do that while knowing, I am also helping someone in need?? Well, then I know I am doing something that really matters.

At the end of the year, I can’t wait to surprise the unexpected family in need or a child that needs food and asks for necessities for Christmas. I can’t wait to give them both and surprise them with so much more. This is HUGE.

Image by: ©PHOTOMOLLY