2021 – Year in Review

2021 Year in Review for Arcadian Photography

Between the New Year and my January 7th birthday, I love this month’s fresh start!✨

I love setting goals and planning for the year ahead; however, to do that well, I’m taking a hot minute to reflect on 2021.

I photographed 131 sessions: 54 newborns, 30 expecting mamas, 21 babies, 2 commercial shoots, and 24 families. 🎉

I offered three different mini-session events last year:

-Mommy and Me minis were in April (so moms could get them back in time for Mother’s Day!)

-Family minis were at the lavender field in July

-Photos with Santa were in early November at the studio

I recently took a poll for what mini sessions I should offer this year, and overwhelmingly the response was in favor of mommy and me’s to be at the cherry blossoms (rather than in the studio) and family minis at the lavender field (rather than at the beach). But it was a toss-up between Santa or Christmas jammies. So we’ll have to see on that one!

And then of course I was busy with family photo sessions in the fall. This fall was a wet one! Sheesh. I’ve never had to reschedule so many times because of rain. It was frustrating to have to deal with the weather, but we made it through.

Early last year, I did something I’d wanted to do for a while and dipped my toes in film photography again. My first cameras were film, but I never looked back when I got my first DSLR in 2008. What I miss about the film is the softness, graininess, and pastel coloring. So I purchased a new-to-me film camera. I used it a bit at the studio and had a few real winners, but ultimately learned I’m an impatient person. I dislike very much the process of waiting to get the film back. I’m not done with film, but I didn’t love it enough to incorporate it as much as I thought.

Here is some black and white film I used during Camilla’s newborn session.

I learned how to paint my own backdrop! I now have this pretty thang at the studio. Next up is one with white and creams.

In December, I finally made the leap and switched to mirrorless!

I knew I’d do this eventually, but honestly, I just didn’t want to go through the growing pains of learning something new.

It is a bit like writing with your left hand. The camera has a different feel; it’s smaller in your hand, which I don’t love. However, when it nails focus, it NAILS focus. So sharp. I moved from a Nikon D850 to the Nikon z7ii.

At the studio, I’ve continued to add to my wardrobe collection. Which reminds me, I need to update that page on my site! There are many more pieces now that aren’t shown on this wardrobe page. I also finally decided on a new rug for the waiting room. Yay! It looks very pretty.

2021 was a fantastic year for my business. I can absolutely be my worst critic, being able to point out every mistake and editing flaw, but when I take a birds-eye view of my work, I’m very proud of the art I create for the families I work with.