Jen Amato Photography Blog

I have so much to reflect on tonight as I sit here and realize the importance of a brand new year. A fresh start always feels good, doesn’t it? My favorite number is 12, its the date I was married back in June of 2010. So I’m certain that 2012 has some special things in store!! Twenty Twelve! It has a nice ring to it. Last year I really learned a lot about myself. Anything is possible if you just stay focused. Sometimes working alot gets hard, but the rewards can be so sweet. I constantly remind myself that nothing comes easy! If you want to succeed, then sometimes sacrifices need to be made. After I got married, I remember saying how much I wanted to dive into my career. I did that and accepted all I had hoped and prayed for in 2011. I wanted to see what I was made of, I learned my strengths, my weaknesses, and everything in between. This past year was the busiest of my life. I photographed 26 Weddings and nearly 200 portrait sessions. There are days where I wanted to crawl under a rock and there were days where I felt like my heart was going to beat out of chest I was so excited, proud and happy.

I honestly think you have to go through certain life experiences to see what you are made of and what you really want in life. What makes me feel alive and what are the things that make me wish I had done things differently? I have hundreds of blogposts from 2011 that can put a smile on my face at any given moment. I have no regrets from 2011, I’d rather call them experiences that have helped mold me. As I sit here and reflect on what I want for myself in 2012 and the years ahead… I see the world a bit differently. Looking forward to slowing down and being able share more of myself. I want to spend more time with my loved ones in 2012. This means giving up some control and learning to listen to my heart. Sometimes you have to sit still long enough, then it’s loud and clear. I want to travel more, love more and take care of myself more. I want to FEEL. You ever just have the craving to FEEL life and experience it with every ounce of your being? Bliss, God’s Grace – whatever you want to call it! I find this in the simplest of moments. Being kind to strangers, laughing til I cry with my girlfriends, the way my husband looks at me sometimes, when my dogs are happy I’m home and when clients tell me they have tears in their eyes after viewing their photos. These are just a few examples of how I feel this feeling. There are days where I need to remind myself that I am more than just a photographer. Over the next several months I’m really going to try and concentrate on the simple things in life. I hope to share some of my experiences here with you. I have struggles just like many of you out there.

I am so appreciative of the support of my clients over the past year, the relationships I’ve made are priceless. Thank you to the clients who send sweet words after viewing your photos, who still follow the blog, who hire me as their Wedding photographer then again as their baby photographer, for the trust you have in me, the list goes on and on. You all hold a special place in my heart. I am so happy to have you all in my life. You are the main reason why I can still call myself a photographer after almost 5 years of business. Without you all, there would be no business. As each new year approaches, I still wonder how things will go and if people will continue to hire me. I sure hope so. If not, “God will provide in my time of need.” I feel like I say that to myself ALOT. It usually helps vanish any kind of fear of the unknown. No matter what, he will take care of me. There is a reason I go to mass every Sunday, I truly believe its gives me my strength for the week. Being human, I have doubts. I realize this could all be taken away tomorrow. I don’t have a boss that I clock into everyday. I am self-employed. As a self-employed person, the only logical thing to do was make God my boss. He’s where I find comfort and direction when I’m not sure what to do!

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to each one of you. My clients, my blog readers, my family and friends. I will continue to grow over the upcoming year and learn a little more about myself and about this beautiful thing called life. I will continue to go through ups and downs, but as long as I have God’s strength I can do anything. I wish you all a happy, healthy, memorable 2012! I look forward to sharing my journey who you all ;)

Just wanted to say thanks to all of you who check in regularly to see whats new! I can’t believe 2011 is almost over. I have my final two shoots of the year tomorrow and then I’ll enjoy a nice, relaxing New Years weekend with my family and friends. I counted the portrait sessions I photographed over the past 12 months and my jaw dropped. I honestly had no idea how many, I’m just on cruise control all year until I actually sit back and look at my calendar. I am so thankful to have all my clients support and also the support of my friends and family who spread the word about my photography business. Last year I started blogging everything I shot. Weddings, Rehearsals, Special Events, Portrait Sessions, some Personal photos, etc! It’s fun for me to look back on this past year and see my work here on web. Blogging in my last step when editing someones session. My work is not complete until that’s done :) That’s why when my website was giving me trouble last month, I almost had a heart attack. Needless to say, I was a bit lost!

I am currently booked solid for the month of January, I have a couple more spots for February, and mostly booking for March and afterward. My “Grow With Me” kids always get top priority with scheduling, so that’s the great thing about signing up. Their availability is guaranteed. If you are a past client who didn’t sign up for GWM, but still would like 6 month or 1 year photos, please be in touch at least 2 months in advance to book your date.

Also, just a heads up… after 2 years of having the same portrait pricing, my regular sessions are now $350. I changed this about 3 months ago for a few reasons. With the cost and time of travel, the hour long shoot, all editing, photo CD of high-resolution photos, and blogposts of the session – I had numerous people tell me it was time to raise before I wore myself out. I spend between 5-8 hours on each session. I am slowly learning to say no and to only take in what I can handle. I hope 2012 brings lots of new and old faces to photograph. I am truly blessed to call this my job. I work hard because I enjoy making people happy. I hope that my dedication, patience, and consistency shines through here on the blog. Without you all – there wouldn’t be anything to share. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas, I really enjoyed spending time with my loved ones. I took some time out to make a couple of small appetizers and desserts from pinterest! I can’t wait to get back to working out and eating healthy. The Holidays are filled with splurging left and right. One last weekend to make it all count and then back to focusing on being healthy :)

Much love to you all! Here’s a few things I made last week…..

Greek Appetizer Stacks! (Feta, Cucumber, Kalamata olive Olives, Grape Tomatoes)

http://pinterest.com/pin/123215739774671502/

Mini Bacon and Egg Desserts! :) How CUTE are these?!

http://pinterest.com/pin/123215739774659779/

Festive Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods!

http://pinterest.com/pin/123215739774613458/