Time.
We all have it, yet we all want more of it.
Time’s a wasting, in short supply, and of the essence. We want to stop time. We want to go back in time. We want to bottle it up and keep it forever. No matter how much we have, we seem to never have enough.
Maybe this is a timely summary: There’s no time like the present for us all to spend our time wisely because in time we’ll all realize it’s only a matter of time before time runs out.
Um……. whoa! Time is a gift, it shouldn’t be something that stresses us out even more than we already are, right?!
At some point in life (I can’t say exactly when), I developed a new sense of urgency, a feeling that time is passing by so quickly, that there are limits on my time of which I am now acutely aware. I’m certain that it happened sometime after my first child was born, and I think it became amplified tenfold after the twins made their appearance. The kids are growing and changing so quickly. My parents and grandparents are aging. I’m getting old, too. I’m in my thirties now. What? When did that happen?
All of a sudden, time is just so precious. Time seems like the biggest gift we could receive – time to be with those we love, time to cherish the beauty around us, time to create, time to participate, time to really live and contribute and make the world a better place. That’s what so many of us want, right? It’s definitely what I want.
Like so many moms, I want to be there for my kids 24/7. I want to be home when my son gets off the bus, ready with warm oatmeal cookies and a stack of stories for us to read together. I want to volunteer at the girls’ preschool and host afternoon play dates with their friends. I want to take them to new movies and parks with huge playgrounds. I want to sing songs, do puzzles, play board games, push them on the swing, read them stories, snuggle, laugh, and just be present. I want to cherish the time I have with them. I want to constantly be mindful that I am alive, I am healthy, and I know true love.
Due to this strong desire to spend as much time as possible with my children and live in the present moment, I have been very purposeful in how I have chosen to grow my business. I have been slow, methodical, careful, and strategic. I have focused on gaining knowledge, developing my skill, and putting my heart into photography as an art form, all while raising three beautiful children and not missing a moment of this blissful time.
I have also been fortunate. I have had outstanding clients who have embraced my vision and let me have free reign to create images that I hope they will cherish. My family has been beyond supportive; they are always ready to celebrate my successes and lift me up when I’m feeling defeated. I have made wonderful friends with other photographers and bloggers all around the world who inspire me to be a better mother and photographer.
This post is an opportunity for me to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have supported me along this journey, both those of you I know well and those I don’t. All of the blog comments, Facebook likes, messages, and emails mean so much to me. That you all would take time out of your day to show your support in any small way really does mean the world to me. I have felt very loved throughout this journey and that has been such a tremendous gift, a gift which I do not take for granted.
To express my gratitude and say thank you to those who have taken the time to hire me, to write to me, to comment on my blog or Facebook page, or to show your support in some other capacity, I would like to offer you some of my time in return.
For Clients: I would like to thank supporters, friends, and clients by offering my time to photograph your family or children during the summer. Let’s get creative, have fun, and take some cool photos. After the session is over, the recipient will be given a CD with 20 high-resolution digital files and a personal printing authorization. You do not need to have been a client in the past to take advantage of this offer — it’s open to anyone. The fine print: Family photography session must take place within 20 miles of Hudson, WI and recipient must be willing to sign contract and model release. Session must take place during June, July, or August of 2012. This offer is not transferable and holds no monetary value. The concept, location, and time must be agreed upon by both parties.
For Photographers: I would like to thank photographers, both aspiring and current pros, by offering an hour of my time to do whatever you’d like. You can watch me shoot, I can be an open book, I can offer suggestions on your blogsite, critique your latest session, whatever. You can choose how we spend our time together (as long as it is reasonable and possible – nothing crazy!).
To enter: Simply comment on this post and let me know how you would like to spend our time together. I would be appreciative if you would “like” my Facebook page and share this with those who you think would be grateful for the opportunity, but it is not required. This is just one way that I can say thank you — no strings attached. I have been so fortunate, and just want to pass along a little joy to a few other people.
On May 9th, 2012, I will randomly select one client and one photographer to receive this gift of my time. Please include your email address so I can contact you if you are selected. If you have any questions, please let me know.
And lastly, thank you for your time.
xoxo
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May 9, 2012 Update: This evening, I wrote the names of everyone who commented on this blog post on little pieces of paper (I like the drama of the old-fashioned drawing) and had Evan randomly selected one from each pile. Evan chose…
Photographer: Sarah (Sarah – Oh! I am such an fan of your work. Would love, love some type of mentoring session or just to watch you shoot. What a generous give away!!!)
Client: Kelly (kelly – Amy-I treasure the pictures that you have taken of my boys! Thank you for capturing the bond they have with each other…as well as who they are as individuals. I continue to enjoy the images you took time to create! You are wonderful!)
Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to enter! Your very kind words were so appreciated and will be cherished for a long time. I really wish I could gift all of you with my time! xoxo
by Amy
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