2017 Exciting Highlights
Hello all! At the beginning of the new year, most of us make New Year’s Resolutions, and I am no different. One of my resolutions is to write to my readers at least 5 days week. I think it is truly important that clients get to know their photographer. As both a wedding and family photographer I have the privilege of capturing the most precious moments in my clients life. I find that it’s only fair that my client’s get a sneak peak into my life and work as well.
2017 was full of amazing and new experiences, accomplishments and growing pains, both professionally and personally. So far 2017 has been one of the most important years of my life! Allow me to share some of the highlights from last year.
Creating a living space, I love to come home to…
At the beginning of 2017 I found myself growing annoyed at my cluttered living space, that didn’t allow for my growing photography business. In addition, I had a friend that really pushed me to get up and actually accomplish the massive task of purging and redecorating my entire living space. Now with a full time job and an ever growing business, this seemed like such a daunting task, but having had a horrible falling out with the above friend, I found I had more time on my hands, and the drive to prove him wrong, lol. I needed a distraction and change!
I went about accomplishing this task by tackling one area of my house at a time. First my bedroom, than my office, living area, and finally my storage room. Each with a check list and place in place. I purged, painted, acquired new furniture and added the finishing touches to the walls. My cozy residence went from looking like a collage students dorm room, to a sophisticated adults apartment. When I finished this project, I found so much satisfaction and accomplishment! There is nothing like finishing a New Year’s Resolution.
Shooting my 1st wedding as the lead photographer…
In 2016, I had 2nd shot for over 20 weddings and learned a great deal. By 2017 I was so very eager to take the next step. In April, I received the opportunity to cover for a fellow photographer who had a medical emergency. It was amazing, and absolutely fulfilling, to be responsible for capturing the most important moments of her clients special day. Within days of finishing this beautiful wedding, I received rave reviews from the bride. Although she had been disappointed her original photographer couldn’t cover her wedding she was thrilled with the photos and service I provided. I fell in love with wedding photography even more, if that was at all possible. April 1st ended up being the best April Fools Day of my life! I treasure that day forever.
Booking my 1st wedding with Summer Bear Photography…
In May I received a message from my Aunt, asking if I was available to shoot a family friend’s wedding on June 2nd. Their photographer had been called up to active duty, bless his heart! She was in a real bind, as the wedding was only 3 weeks away. After meeting with her, she was thrilled and relieved to hire me for her wedding at Ruby Hills Winery in Livermore. It ended up being over a 100 degrees that day, but we found ways to beat the heat…staying indoors, until the absolute last moment! Thankfully, only the ceremony was outside and later in the afternoon. It was truly a wonderful experience! My 2nd shooting experience had prepared me for the day and I found my confidence stood firm the entire shoot. I am nervous before every wedding, but as soon as I arrived and the day started, I found my rhythm and enjoyed every minute! From the bridal suite festivities to each and every sweet, beautiful and crazy moment of the day.
Booking my 1st family session with Summer Bear Photography…
Although I love weddings, I enjoy family photography just as much! I had only ever done complimentary family work and was eager to book my first paying client. In July I book my 1st two sessions, a family and a newborn session. By October, I had over 10 booked in one month, from family and maternity to newborn and I couldn’t have been happier. Capturing family photos has always been important to me, even as a child. Being paid to do what I’ve loved my whole life, is more rewarding than I can say. My very first family had a sweet 2-year-old little girl, that reminded me of my darling niece. I found that working with her energy was the best way to get the most authentic and joyful images. My clients were thrilled with the results and even recommended me to their friends, whom I photographed about a month later!
Looking forward to a very full New Year of Weddings…
By the fall of 2017 I had already booked my 1st wedding for 2018 in Utah! A destination wedding to boot! As an avid lover of travel, combining my love of wedding photography, with my love for traveling is a dream come true. I look forward to the day that I can jet off to exotic India, or romantic France and Italy for my wedding photography work.
2018 promises to be a busy year for both wedding and family photography. Although I am enjoying the bit of free time that I have this month, I am looking forward to the busy months ahead. To all those newly engaged couples, congratulations, and don’t stress too much. No matter the worries that you may have about your day, I find that in 99.9% of the cases your wedding will still end up being one of the most memorable and enjoyable days of your life, even if things don’t go exactly as planned.
Thank you…
Thank you so much for reminiscing with me about the crazy and fabulous year that was 2017 and I look forward to sharing the inner workings of my sessions and wedding shoots during the 2018 season. In the mean time I will be delving into some of my shoots from last season, so until next time, have a wonderful day!
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I am so happy that you're here! My name is Crystal Summer Bear, I am an avid traveler, solopreneur and boutique portrait and wedding photographer.
I love to share tips, tricks and beautiful stories that connect us all.
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