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Sunday, January 3, 2010

Hello 2010!!!

I don't make resolutions. I just don't. It's not that I fear failure... and it's definitely not that I don't have anything to improve upon. I just don't make them. But when I was getting ready to write this blog welcoming the new year, my plan was to go back and reflect on the goals I'd made for the new year LAST year. Or at least the goals I'd THOUGHT I'd made. Then I started looking for the blog... and it wasn't there. I just KNEW I'd written it... and so I kept looking.

And there it was.

In JUNE!

I wrote my goals for the year in the summer! Which is apparently how anti-resolutions I am. But I have decided that 6 months later, at the start of a new year... I would go back and reflect on the goals I made only 6 short months ago.

Here are the goals I made last June, and my progress:
1. Accomplish 5 more things from my life list
I have checked off 4 things since last June, as well as completed one that was in progress... which I think totally counts!
2. Book at least 7 weddings
Yep! I've booked and shot many more than this, and I have several booked for this year now too!
3. Book at least 18 additional shoots (everyday, in love, wiggles and giggles, etc.)
I'm honestly a little surprised at myself with this one. When I made this goal, I decided to think big... and I sure did! But I am so excited to say that I did it!
4. Go to at least one workshop
Okay... so this one is kind of in progress. I've been at several things that have been learning opportunities, and I have been fortunate enough to get to shoot with some people who are incredibly talented and have taught me a lot... but as far as an ACTUAL workshop... my first one will be Jasmine Star's next month! I can't wait!
5. Enter at least 3 photo contests
I've been participating somewhat regularly in the I [heart] faces contest. It has been a lot of fun, and I'm very grateful to them for making contest entry easy :)
6. Attend 3 networking opportunities
Yep! I love meeting new people and hanging out! I especially like making new friends and I am so glad to say that I have done just that. I am thankful to all of the people who have invested in me and helped me and encouraged me... but even more for the people who have befriended me!
7. Buy at least 2 new lenses
I bought a lens and a camera body... does that count? This is one area that I want to invest more in... I am soooo blessed to have a good friend who loves to take pictures and has invested in a lot of great equipment. He has been so generous in letting me borrow his stuff. But this year I plan to get some great new lenses :)
8. Launch a new website (hopefully using showit?)
One of the best decisions of my photography career. I absolutely ADORE my new site and the wonderful showit and their staff! I have nothing but WONDERFUL things to say about them. This decision really helped shape my business and I would definitely recommend it.
9. Get workflow down (including mom)
I'm still working on this one, especially when it comes to my mom, but I have definitely improved!
10. BRAND BRAND BRAND
I think this is never ending. And I love it :) I recently met with a talented graphic desingner (who happens to be one of my 2010 brides) and I know she is really going to help me tie everything together! I can't wait!
11. Get office set up
YES!!! I have to say that this was more my mom than me. In fact, I didn't do anything. My mom worked really hard to get our office all set up and ready to go. I can't wait to start working in there! There are still a few finishing touches... then I'll post pictures :)

2009 was a great year. It was my first full year in business and definitely a defining year. I am so excited for what the next year holds! I can't wait to meet all of my future clients. I can't wait to challenge myself and grow. Here are my goals for the next year...

1. Book and/or shoot 15 or more weddings
2. Shoot at least 30 other sessions
3. Attend WPPI (or another big photography event/training/workshop)
4. Buy 3 new lenses
5. Buy off camera lighting equipment
6. Re-brand with help from graphic designer
7. Accomplish 5 more things from my life list

What are your goals for 2010? What do you want to accomplish?
Happy New Year everyone!!!

***I am currently booking for 2010! Weddings, Engagements, Everyday shoots... and Valentine's Day is coming soon! Pictures make a great present! Email me (diandra@diandraann.com for more info or to book!)***

3 comments:

Lucia Photography said...

Congratulations on all your accomplishments~ :)
makes me want to go over my list and see where I am at in compared to last year. but at the same time I dont want to look..doh!

Bianca said...

WHOA! What the heck?! I'm so jealous. Woohoo!

Jennifer Brotchie said...

This is a fantastic list of goals! I can't wait to meet you at j *'s!

xo.