Is it really 2013? Already?

I feel like it was just midnight of last New Year, and as we were ringing in 2012, in all of it’s hope and glory, realizing it was the year we would be married.

And now, we’ve already been married more than five months!

2012 was an incredible year for us. Filled with higher highs and greater lows than we ever could have anticipated at it’s inception last January 1st. But oh, 2013, I have high hopes and aspirations for you!

2012’s Highest of Highs:

-Second shooting a dozen weddings

-Shooting three weddings of my own

-Starting my own little safe haven in the blogosphere

-Married the man God created for me

-Traveled to St. Thomas on our incredible honeymoon

-Moved into our first home together

-Had the honor of participating in photography coaching with Katelyn James (the full post on coaching will be coming in a First-Year Friday post soon)

-Officially became encorporated as Nikki Santerre Photography, LLC (WOOOOOO!)

And here’s the part where the goals come in. For me, this part is scary. It’s intimidating. Putting these things out there means YOU are to hold me accountable for them. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that. But being timid, not allowing yourself to be vulnerable, and shying away from criticism never got anyone very far, especially in the photography industry.  

So here they are.

2013 Goals:

-Blog Makeover (coming to a computer screen near you in February 2013)

-Blogging calendar (I have already planned my blogging schedule for January. In reviewing last year, I realized I just posted haphazardly whenever I wanted. While this worked for the purpose of my blog last year, I feel like planning ahead will help me to keep myself accountable and avoid having two weeks go by without a post. How can you develop a following when you don’t post for two weeks? Exactly. You can’t).

-Shoot FIVE of my own weddings (I’ve got two on the books. I’m praying God will send me the right brides at the right time. I swear to take great care of them!)

-Purchase an L series lens and a Markii

-FINISH GRAD SCHOOL! (May can’t come soon enough)

-Finish my Showit site (YIKES. I was trying to do this by myself. Not sure what I was thinking. Thankfully, a kind colleague and fellow KJ coaching graduate has offered to help me. She did her own site and ROCKED it, so I’m so thankful for her willingness to help a sister out)

-Attend a workshop (I’m not sure whose yet, but I have an entire year to decide)

-Have my 35mm film camera cleaned and start using it!

-Office organization/workflow/contracts/marketing complete

Whew! I have my work cut out for me this year.

Proverbs 16:3 is my life verse for this year. “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

I’m leaving you guys with a sneak peak. These pretty faces will be on the blog Monday. I can’t WAIT to show you the rest!