2013 was my year to step back and take a look at things…what a blessing!

After tremendous growth in my photography business during 2012…my head was spinning (in a good way)!  My photography business was flourishing and I knew it was time to focus in on defining my style, creating a website and developing the direction of the company.

On a personal level, my Dad had just been diagnosed with an illness, our busy family life continued with three kids, a dog and one supportive husband, I headed a volunteer project to open a public daycare in my area and I was faced with a very huge decision whether to sell my other business, Starr Liquor & Wine.

I admit, I was kinda quiet in 2013…took a huge break from blog posting, I had my nose to the computer for the process of re-developing my brand and website, had my laptop crash (was this a sign to slow down), really honed my skills as a wedding photographer, reached a total of 500 volunteer hours with the local community daycare which opened in June, started painting mixed media canvases and had my first gallery showing…AND all throughout the year, I made sure I was enjoying my family and all the little things in life. Some major photography milestones in 2013

• Starlite Studio Photography became STARR MERCER PHOTOGRAPHY
• I continued relationships with local photographer friends and made some new ones
• Decided to sell my store, Starr Liquor & Wine and continue my career as a full-time photographer
• Defined my photography style
• Developed a new brand
• Launched a new website and blog
• Saw my assistant Landon off to fashion school in Toronto
• Shot 132 fabulous sessions & events throughout the year
• Photographed 9 weddings, all with amazing couples

My ‘One Little Word‘ of the year for 2013 was TOGETHER.  I knew I wanted to focus on our family and make a point of ensuring we’d make a point of being together more.  My Dad’s illness sure brought us all together as a family unit as well, my sisters and I as well as my Mom & Dad have never been closer.  I took some trips to be TOGETHER with special friends.  I wanted to ‘get it TOGETHER’ in my photography business and make some exciting changes, which turned out better than I had ever dreamed!  I’m so happy I took the year to zone in on what matters most, begin TOGETHER with those who mean the most in my life. I fully admit, going into 2013 it looked a bit like a ‘bumpy road ahead’.  But I am thrilled by how I grew this year, proud of the results of difficult decisions that I was faced with and feel like it was a year of learning and full-ness. So on that note, I am very EXCITED for what’s to come in 2014.  I have a very defined set of goals for the year and have already achieved some of them.  Learning from the past and moving full steam ahead!