Family, Miscellaneous, Wedding, Year in Review

Looking Back at 2021

by Rachel Gaetz

I don't think "belated" is an accurate enough word to describe the tardiness of this post! BUT I don't want to get too far into 2022 and not to a year-in-review for 2021. Personally, and professionally, I believe it is great to reminisce and learn from the past (and even better if you can wrap it up with a concise blog post). So here goes!

In the beginning of the year, I officially rebranded my business to BelleAmiss Photography (a play on the phrase "beautifully imperfect") I love the warmth, the energy, and the unpretentious feel the brand has and it truly enabled me to feel more confident in myself as a photographer and a business owner. I think the only thing it's lacking is more leopard print, but that's ok since I make sure to always incorporate some in my outfits.

During the beginning of the year when the weather was still crummy I was able to shoot some fun off-brand work including documenting the Crossfit Open at C1 Athletics. I cannot emphasize this enough... photographing the workouts is a thousand times easier than actually doing them.

During the early part of the year and also in the summertime, I held boudoir mini sessions and also had boudoir clients throughout the year. I am honored and grateful to all the women who entrusted me with the special and empowering experience!

I also photographed several covers for Hudson Neighbors Magazine last year. Nothing makes me so proud (or my mom so proud) like being published. This shot was from the February issue.

Throughout the year I photographed several newborn lifestyle sessions. It's a privilege to see families grow and capture this cozy/chaotic/magical time.

Mother's Day minis this year were held at Lake Elmo Regional Park and the weather cooperated JUST enough to accomodate several mamas and their kiddos! This was my fourth year of holding these minis and they have proven to be a client favorite as they fill up fast every time!

I partnered with The Dancing House on several occasions. I was able to take spring recital and group photos for my favorite local dance studio.

I also sponsored several Heels classes throughout the year at The Dancing House. If you haven't tried it before, it's a super fun, beginner-level dance class that is designed to extract your inner fierce-ness. Let me know if you ever want to come along and give it a try!

I shot several engagement sessions as well and loved getting to know couples, hearing their backstory, and all of their wedding plans too!

I shot a couple of weddings in the summer, and it felt good to gather and celebrate love after the big wedding canceling-postponing chaos that was 2020!

I had a few seniors come my way this year and I enjoyed the challenge of helping pick the right location, props, outfits, poses, etc. to capture this significant and exciting time in life!

This was also my biggest year for shooting extended family sessions. I think the last couple years have really made us all realize how important and special just simply being together is.

Fall Sessions took on a lot of different looks this year. I held a few different mini session days, two outdoors and one indoors, and shot plenty in between. This also happened to be a big year for shooting at beaches and near water!

For the holidays, I held a day of tree farm mini sessions and I also did an outdoor/downtown Stillwater shoot for one of my very good friends. These felt sweet, special, and festive!

As "spring" is approaching, my schedule is about to ramp up. I just finished updating my website, doing my taxes, adjusting my pricing and packages, and reworking my workflow and I feel confident that 2022 is going to be full of photographic goodness. I'm REALLY excited for everything that's upcoming! Please, feel free to comment, message, email, call or text if you think we'd be a good fit for your photo needs!

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