My Word of the Year: CREATE
With a brand new photo studio, a new home base in Troy, Missouri, and so many exciting ideas ahead, I chose one word to guide my year:
CREATE
Not just create photos (though, obviously 📸), but create experiences, connections, stories, and a business that feels aligned with the life I’m building.
Here’s what CREATE means to me this year.
C — Connect
This year is about connection first.
Connecting with:
- Families and kids
- Pet parents and their furry best friends
- Small businesses and local makers
- Art Class students
- My new community here in Troy and the Greater St. Louis area
Photography isn’t just about images. It’s about capturing real moments. I want every client who walks into my studio to feel welcomed, seen, and cared for.
R — Root
After a big move and a lot of growth, this year is about putting down roots.
I’m rooting:
- My business in Troy, Missouri
- My new photo studio as a creative home base
- My brand in consistency and sustainability
My new studio is a place to grow, experiment, and build something that lasts. I’m trying to keep my studio design very open and flexible so that I can easily move backgrounds and props to create many scenes.
E — Explore
Curiosity is invited this year.
Explore:
- New locations for photo shoots
- New services and creative ideas
- New ways to tell stories through photography
From product photography and pet models to seasonal mini sessions and storytelling portraits, I’m giving myself permission to try new things and see what lights me up.
A — Artful
Creativity shows up in more than just photography in my studio.
- Teaching art classes that encourage creativity in kids
- Creating a welcoming space where making art feels fun and accessible
- Blending photography, and hands-on art in my Troy, Missouri studio
Art classes and photography come from the same place with a love of creativity. Whether someone is painting, creating, or stepping in front of the camera, I want my studio to feel inspiring, relaxed, and full of possibility. This year, I’m leaning into art as a way to connect, learn, and create together.
T — Tell Stories
This is the heart of everything I do.
I tell stories of:
- Families growing and changing
- Pets being goofy, loyal, and full of personality
- Businesses bringing their products and brands to life
Whether it’s a family portrait, a Valentine’s session, or a product shoot for a small business, every image tells a story and that story matters.
E — Expand
Expand gently but boldly.
Expand:
- My confidence
- My creative voice
- My offerings
- My reach throughout Troy, Lincoln County, and the Greater St. Louis area
Expansion doesn’t have to mean hustle. It can mean clarity, intention, and allowing good things to grow naturally.
Creating Together This Year
If you’re part of my story this year, whether you’re booking a family session, bringing your pet into the studio, or working with me on product photography, thank you.
I can’t wait to create with you in my Troy, Missouri studio.
Here’s to a year of connection, creativity, and stories worth remembering. 💛
📸 Ready to create together?
Contact me to book your session or explore all the photography services I offer.
