Best of 2021 | A Year in Review

Jan 13

As I sit back and reflect on 2021, one word keeps fluttering to the surface. Transformation.

Many changes took flight for Light Garden Photography in the wake of the pandemic. In a way, Covid was the catalyst that forced me to face the “big scary” obstacles that I had thus far kept safely on the back burner.

The biggest change was saying goodbye to the freelance side of my business, and going ALL IN as a signature brand. A terrifying but necessary decision for the growth of Light Garden Photography. Four score and seven years ago when I was first planted the seeds of my business, I read a book called Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders. In his text he talks about the two paths a photographer can take. A Freelance Photographer, where you market yourself as a skilled cameraman for hire, or a Signature Brand Photographer, where clients hire your brand directly.

Eager to follow in Sander’s footsteps, I gave both scenarios a swing circa 2013. To my surprise the freelance model TOOK OFF, and in a snap my calendar was full of gigs for other people’s businesses. Which, at the time, was fine as I was still honing my niche in the industry. However, as my thirst for business grew, I knew what I truly desired was a signature brand, where I could serve the market directly and personally.

So, after years of doing business in this “hybrid” state between freelance and signature brand, I decided that 2021 was the year to build the business I truly desired. I closed the doors on all freelance gigs which scared me to death if I’m being perfectly honest, and reserved the entire calendar year of 2021 exclusively for Light Garden Photography.

Curious how it went? Peep the photos below.