That’s a big blank up there, isn’t it? Around the beginning of the year, my social media feeds were flooded with resolutions, goals and much more. I may not have mentioned it publicly, but one of my own goals was to get more personal here on my blog, and to post more often, whether personal or professional. Writing is cathartic, but it is also empowering. Which brings me back to that big empty space in the title of this post. If I could do anything, what would I wish for?

Imagine you have a notebook in front of you, completely empty – blank pages waiting to be filled with your story. That is what I have right now, figuratively of course! (I own many notebooks, and their pages don’t stay blank for long! I’m a notebook kind of girl!) I am beginning a process for my business, and it’s a big undertaking, but it will become my story. I am starting what is referred to as “rebranding”.  I won’t go into the nitty gritty of everything involved, but trust me when I say, it is intense. One of the most important tasks is to dig deeply into who I am, and how that translates into my studio and work. After all, I chased this dream nearly eight years ago as a means of being true to who I am and expressing myself.

So, what have I discovered? Well, first off – I haven’t been doing this for me. I’ve been more concerned with catering to what others expect, and that results in a disservice to myself, my clients, and my family. I spend too much time worrying about what others are doing….other photographers, their clients, etc. That’s no way to live! I became a full-time photographer in 2007 to produce beautiful images that reflect my style and vision. Instead, I spent countless hours looking at what others were doing instead of looking inward. The result was fruitless.

Another thing I discovered: My brand isn’t me, and it should most certainly be me. It should tell you who I am, but right now it doesn’t. Are you beginning to see a theme here? Yes, I’m having a “Me Moment”.  I aim to bring more of myself into my photography, which can only be a good thing. I’m no longer worried about the other stuff. I’m only focused on being me, improving myself, and showing everyone who I am.

So, you’re going to start seeing some major changes coming to Powell Woulfe Photography. For starters, I’ll be getting a lot more personal here. Sharing more of my process, and heart. You’ll see more posts like this one. More of my personal work. Speaking of which, I will be shooting a lot more for myself, and from now on focusing my professional work on seniors, couples and weddings. I already announced last year that I will be taking families on a very limited basis, and that will continue in 2015.  Swoon Seniors is still very much a large part of who I am, as well, but I will continue to keep the two separate.  I don’t want to give it all away, but keep your eyes peeled for the unveiling of me, for when I am myself, I am better able to serve my clients. 

Back to that big blank space up there…. There are so many ways I could complete that sentence, “I wish ________________.”  But what I really need to focus on are the ways to complete that sentence that are productive. I could wish for success, or money, or talent, or hundreds of new clients, etc., but none of that is helpful in helping me find my way back to myself. For now, I will just leave it as, I wish to write my own story.