Happy 2023, everyone! I hope you rang in the new year in a way that felt great, be it out and about or cozy in your own home. I have been on a year-in-review roll, evaluating and reflecting on all of the different events in each aspect of life (motherhood, photography, marriage, myself, etc.) and I'm a firm believe that it's necessary to take stock of where you've been in order to envision you want to go.
To be perfectly honest, 2022 held unexpected challenges and struggles that I did not anticipate in all areas of life. There were many days were I felt shaken, unmotivated, and unsure. Fortunately, I also learned some useful skills in the process... For photography, I focused on outsourcing and getting help (hello, intern and assistants!), ways to communicate more clearly (for example, sending a more detailed contract and a thorough questionnaire before every session), how take criticism that's warranted (a client who expected more photos than they received), how let go of the things that don't serve me (like a client who thoroughly DESPISED my editing style), and to try new things that seem daunting (making reels), and to find joy in being playful and doing creative shoots again.
I also got my worked published several times, shot over 100 sessions, connected with many amazing families, and had to opportunity to mentor and collaborate with other photographers and creatives too! There were plenty of wins this year which I hope to use to fuel me. And the things that didn't go so well? Those are lessons learned that will sharpen and shape me instead of discourage me.
Below are a few of my favorite photos from each of the different photography genres that I focused on this year:
NEWBORN
SENIORS
ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING
FAMILY
MATERNITY
BOUDOIR
LIFESTYLE & BRANDING
Just scrolling back through this draft, I feel so incredibly lucky to have met and photographed all of the wonderful individuals and families that I did. I hope the photos from these sessions serve as a way to remember some very special times, as a way to empower, and even as a way to drive small businesses.
As I sat with my coffee after my last sessions of 2022, I couldn't help but wonder... what's to come in 2023? What's the plan? Will I get to travel? Finally do a shoot with llamas? Here's what I know. It won't be boring. 2023 marks TEN years of portrait photography, so I intend to infuse celebratory energy into every single shoot this year.
To be transparent and honest with all of you loves, I DID take on a work-from-home 9-5 this past fall after a decade of having stay-at-home parent flexibility. It has definitely been a challenge and adjustment, but ultimately the right decision for me and my family. I will absolutely be continuing my photography business, but becoming much more efficient and intentional about every aspect of it. I will be keeping many of the same facets that I have been offering for years (online galleries, seasonal minis, a fun and fabulous session experience), but will be tightening up my scheduling process and availability.
If you made it to the end... thank you for listening, reading, and supporting. I wish you all the best in 2023 and I hope to see you too!
xoxo
Rachel YG
I’m Rachel Gaetz
I’m Rachel Gaetz and I am a creative portrait photographer in the Twin Cities. I am also a busy mom of four and can often be spotted with a coffee in hand, a big messy bun on my head, and a baby on my hip. My goal is to create images that YOU will be obsessed with -- pictures you will be eager to post today as well as cherish decades from now. My business BelleAmiss Photography strives to take the stress out of photo sessions while capturing life's beautiful imperfections. You will leave feeling great about YOU and your photo experience.
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