In 2010 I was not happy.  I was working 2 days a week in Ultrasound and thinking about photography every other minute of every other day (while also being a mommy and wife).  I want to be a photographer when I grow up.  Problem is, I’m 36.  I think I am supposed to already be a grown up.

So, I’m a firm believer that the only person that can really make you happy is you.  Others can come into your life and make it better but true happiness comes from within.  I had a decision to make, so I pursued two paths.  I was browsing around the web for a photography mentor, since I had super fantastic teachers in Ultrasound school, it only made sense to me that I needed photographer school.  Luckily, I did find it – Kelli France was EXACTLY what I was looking for and I did not hesitate to sign up for her boutique business mentoring series.  It was just the thing I needed and really so much more!  What I learned in that 6 weeks was so valuable for my little photography business.  Finally, I had direction!

But I did say I pursued two paths.  A few weeks after the mentoring series I attended a 6 month leadership series at BC Children’s Hospital.  It was amazing.  I learned so much about myself and how to connect with other people.  I had the opportunity to be involved in a new way of communicating through coaching and heard the philosophies of several visionaries.  It was a pivotal learning experience in a time when I had fallen out of love with my ultrasound career.

And just when I felt like I was really getting somewhere in photography, becoming the kind of photographer I wanted to be (YAY!), I had to make a decision.  After asking myself a few hard questions I decided NOT to turn my back on a 12 year career in ultrasound.  In fact, I decided to jump BACK in with both feet – full time.  As much as I want to be a photographer, I know in my heart that I cannot be a weekend warrior.  I don’t want to miss my kids growing up because I was documenting someone else’s life.  And as it turns out, my new position at the hospital is a pretty good fit for me.  :)

I certainly can’t complain.  A lot of people out there hate their jobs and I’ve had two that I love.  The relationships I’ve formed, and the knowledge I’ve gained  through photography is something I would not trade for anything.  I’m so excited to be shifting gears and focusing on personal photography projects.   So this blog will probably have a new look in the future.  I hope you stick around and keep in touch.

And because I don’t like to post without a picture, here are 3 reasons I know I have made the right decision.

I’m not one to make resolutions, because I never stick to them!  But, in 2011 I am determined to capture and preserve more of MY family’s moments.

The Family Photographer