Looking back at the past year and making plans for the next

It’s been a while since I’ve gotten around to posting any updates.

But even though it’s been a long time coming, I’ll do a quick recap of how my 2021 went. As a business owner, last year was challenging. Because of COVID, I did not focus much on promoting or marketing because of restrictions and health safety measures that were in place. Luckily, I have a full-time job to lean on.

Despite not having too many clients over the past year, I was nevertheless able to use my time productively to pursue some opportunities both as a photographer as well as for my personal development. I met wonderful new people in my family sessions and went to Drumheller to do a family portrait for a return client. I also shot the Shady Grove Bluegrass Music Festival held at the Sundre Rodeo Grounds. Additionally, I was able to be creative with Abby when we did a studio shoot as well as the Polaris Slingshot photos for Wagons West RV Park, and I even got to enjoy a ride in one of them. To boot, I did three engagement sessions and covered three weddings. I also did some professional headshots for my accountant and they did very well during our session.

As for personal growth, I did a roughly 80-kilometre backpacking trip to Pinto Lake along David Thompson Highway in Alberta with Simon, an experience which really tested both of our resolve and endurance for long distance hiking, and I’m hoping to do it again this year. I did a solo overnight camping trip at Eagle Lake, and I would say this is a big deal for me because I went out of my comfort zone. It was challenging because I’ve never gone backpacking on my own. I strongly recommend that everyone should at least try it once. Being out in nature alone is a unique feeling that I definitely want to experience again this year. More recently, I also started making sourdough bread. While I continue to learn, it is nonetheless very fulfilling to be able to make your own bread and other baked goods from scratch. It takes a lot of patience because it requires a lot of time, from the moment you grow your own starter down to baking your own bread.

Aside from these experiences, I still continue to do my online courses. This year, I plan to continue what I’m doing. My rule is if I am not busy with my business, do something else. I have a full-time job that definitely offers me challenges, growth and opportunities. Learn and explore. Do something that I haven’t done before or just continue doing the things I love to do. And most especially be with the people I love.

What were your 2021 highlights and what are you planning to accomplish this year?

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