So it’s mid-January and I'm finally writing a 2013 year review... There is much to say. A year ago I was obsessively researching websites for Sweetheart Empire's portfolio. For those of you unfamiliar with the phenomenon of “obsessively researching” I'm talking about Procrastination. I studied all sorts of stuff until finally – for whatever combination of reasons – I snapped out of the fog and took action.
I started even though I felt I wasn’t ready… And everything began to fall into place. A year later I have experienced the following list of awesomeness.
Neither chronologically, nor in order of importance, in 2013 I:
Launched my own website and had to stand by my work all on my own
Experienced weeks and months [on and off] of debilitating fear of rejection and failure, self-torture, doubt, excitement, and more fear
Flew to Las Vegas (first time) alone for eight days, and attended WPPI – the world’s largest wedding photography conference
Had a portfolio review by José Villa (I was starstruck, and had to concentrate so hard on controlling my facial expression that I almost forgot to listen to the feedback)
Attended a Jesh de Rox workshop, had my mind blown, and felt that I had found “my people”
Meditated and worshipped the new moon with belly-dancers, yogis, philosophers, MBA students, and other such wandering souls
For the first time, a couple booked their wedding date based on my availability (and sent me a delicious babka to boot!)
Jose Villa, Nico Koenig and Babka
Celebrated my mum’s 70th birthday in the same week that I found out my sister was pregnant
Experienced, from afar, the death of my nana and my uncle
Had a broken heart
Faced things about myself that I had been trying to ignore for many years
Experienced moments of self-acceptance so profound that words couldn’t explain the shocking peace of it
Relapsed back into judging and then judged myself for being judgmental
Began to work with some of my favourite photographers in the city, and was astoundingly lucky to learn and grow both professionally and emotionally from this
Photographed my first magazine cover (and spread!)
Shot my cousin’s incredible wedding in Manhattan, and got to know family members who have lived in Ireland all my life
Assisted in the delivery of my sister’s beautiful daughter - indescribably life-changing.
Manhattan, Persian Tribune & Elle Daftarian, Baby Aisling
Met several new soul-sisters and reconnected with old ones
Made many mistakes, stayed up late nights, relapsed into perfectionist-procrastination, doubted my decisions, let down my loved ones, over-booked and over-worked, missed many birthdays, hunched over my computer for too many hours
Started doing yoga again, dancing more, singing louder in the shower, going for walks around the park, and making green smoothies
Forgave
Took another Jesh de Rox workshop and consequently started training in Beloved Technique
Made the commitment to only work with people I feel a connection with
Doubted my commitment and felt scared
Read Seth’s opinion on choosing who you work for, and felt good again
Then booked several awesome new clients who I totally feel the connection with!
Silverline Studios, Jasper Savage, Jesh de Rox, Sunset
...and finally, the topic to which this website is dedicated… In 2013:
I got to know amazing couples who put their faith in me, and allowed me to witness their strengths, vulnerabilities, and unique expressions of love and family.
And felt so overwhelmingly grateful that there was no appropriately powerful hashtag… so I kept it for myself, in my heart.
No doubt this is the same year most people experienced. Possibly with fewer bouts of neuroses – though really it’s just the "normal" neuroses, I like to think. Anyway, come on - the emotional roller-coaster is pretty okay!
So. Now is not the time to list my resolutions – you're all listed-out for today. But I do hope to start posting some of the many beautiful moments that took place, here on the blog, and I hope you will join me for more adventures this year.
Follow @SweetheartEmpire on Instagram to catch a glimpse of the Empire, or just reach out to me and let's have a chat. Happy 2014!
Sincerely,
Kate