Five years ago today I filed my DBA with the Jackson County Clerk. My next move was to the bank to open an account for LAF Lines Photography. That evening I got a call asking if I would consider taking photos for an upcoming event. I thought I would have some time to create a marketing push and then truly "announce" myself the following year when my youngest went to kindergarten. It didn't exactly turn out that way. The phone started to ring, and I slowly built up my portfolio with clients who had somehow heard about me.

I often say that if you had told me 7 years ago that I would be a photographer by trade, I would have laughed myself silly. First of all, my parents have always owned a business. I have been witness to the difficulties of self reliance, and I do believe at one point in my life I swore off owning my own business. Second, I always thought photographers were the coolest cats in town. Never would I have thought that I could be one someday.

But everything happened so naturally. Little by little LAF Lines became a brand. People started to associate me with cameras and photos. And here I am today.

Once, when struggling emotionally my husband suggested, "Take that energy and do something photographically with it." I kind of knew what he meant, but something was more obvious to him than it was to me: Behind the glass is my happy place. Processing photos at my desk transports me to a world of beauty and love that exists in reality, but isn't as easy to see in full motion. 

I have learned so much about myself on this journey. I have also learned so much about humanity. Thank you for letting me into your lives to capture moments of pure love, absolute silly and the most tender of times. Thank you for hiring me, encouraging me, buying a still life photo for your walls, giving a LAF Lines gift certificate for someone or "liking" a status on Facebook. All of this inspires me to continue moving forward.

I am a one woman operation. But it would be absurd of me not to recognize that there are hundreds of you that keep me going. I am ever grateful for the opportunities you have offered me. You do have impact in the world. LAF Lines is an example of your kindness, consideration and giving.

Thank you.