I’m posting this a bit later than planned as I’m not long back from my travels in Australia. I will do a separate post about my time there but I must say that this trip changed me. It reminded me what’s important in life, the reason I don’t work the typical 9-5 & where my true passions lie – freedom. I crave the space to breathe, the freedom to roam & be inspired by the world around me. I re-ignited by love of travelling & I’m making positive steps to keep myself exploring in 2015. So far, my work is set to be taking me to exciting new places this year including a couple of international destinations.
So, 2014… Learning from previous experiences, I started doing things differently in 2014 – both in my working & personal life. I learnt when to say no & remain true to myself, and also when to speak up. As a result, I created my best work at the most incredible weddings with couples that truly get me. I photographed elopements, more weddings outside with couples taking their vows underneath blue skies, was booked for a shoot in Paris, as well as covering my first destination wedding in Byron Bay.
I also allowed more time for personal work & dabbled with film photography. Creating work just for me was something I realised I needed in my life. For 2015 I’ve made a bucket list of sorts to help me to grow as an artist. Creating a dark room, experimenting with alternative camera-less photography & organising an underwater shoot is at the top of my list. I want to keep creating just for the love of it. In time, I plan to develop my wedding package with more film goodies to give back to my clients.
All in all 2014 was a brilliant year but it didn’t come without it’s challenges & moments of self-doubt. In the age of social media it’s difficult not to compare yourself to others. When the world appears to be living perfect lives, achieving great things, deciding to take a break to allow more time for yourself can cause anxiety. I spent a lot of 2014 discovering things about myself, practising mindfulness meditation, growing food in my garden & just living. Instantly I noticed the positive impact this had on my life. Giving myself permission to get out of the office & disconnect was at first a scary thought. I believed the world would come crashing down on me if I wasn’t sitting at my desk instantly replying to enquiries, updating my social media & doing everything else my industry peers were doing. As a business owner it is difficult to completely switch off from work mode, but I soon began to relish in being briefly unplug from the world.
With that being said, I feel I now want to find a kind of common ground & start giving back more – Create, share, inspire. Whilst still allowing time to disconnect. Balance is the true key to happiness. So here’s to a positive, happy 2015. I can’t wait for all the adventures this year will bring.
On that note. Here are a few of my favourite images from 2014. More new work still be shared in the weeks to come. Thanks for being a part of it;
M x
Fine Art Destination Wedding Photography