At this time of year, it's always interesting to look back at where I was - and what I was doing - a year ago.
The nature of the Photography industry now is that clients inevitably come and go. I'm fortunate to have some long-term clients and never take this for granted but changes in requirements, budgets, personnel and technology mean one never knows if the client will go elsewhere for the next job.
I have been a professional photographer for many years and part of the job has always been recognising and keeping up with trends and technological developments but it's also important to know when it's time to let go of diminishing income streams in favour of new ones. To me, this is the most difficult aspect of business evolution. I hate turning my back on something even if it has proven to be increasingly less profitable or even harmful to my mental health.
2024 was a tough year in many respects, both personally and professionally. Far too many businesses closing - and funerals. But I am counting my blessings. I have some incredible friends and colleagues in this business (big SHOUT OUT to Pete and Graham) who have continued to support me in every way possible through some challenging moments. And I have, more than ever, come to realise the importance of prioritising my mental health, even if it means walking away from toxic clients or other relationships. For instance, there is one regular contract that I have spent around 4-6 weeks a year on for the last dozen or so years and I have seen the company grow exponentially in that time. Sadly, despite an increase in pay and an ongoing good relationship with the CEO, other changes in personnel and working practices have meant that 2024 was an incredibly stressful year's contract so after a great deal of consideration (and with the sage advice of those close to me) I recently decided that I wouldn't be working for them again in 2025. This was an especially difficult decision as it meant there is a big hole in my diary for this year BUT I am seeing this as an opportunity to grow other areas of the business and I am already feeling much happier without dreading the contract as I have over the past two years. A couple of "not sure if you'd be interested in this..?" leads have already begun to fill the gap and I am looking forward to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025.
And now here's a photo of me on a volcano last month...
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