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As I reflect on my year, in the last few days of 2021, my heart is filled with gratitude. How can it not be, looking at all of these smiling faces? I feel so lucky that, despite the continued swirling craziness, constantly changing norms, and ever-present anxiety, I was able to see so many of my dear clients and capture memories for them, this year. That they were willing to travel to me, to be flexible and patient as we rescheduled due to weather or illness, to shoot outdoors, sometimes in less than ideal weather…or even once in my garage!

At the start of 2021, I wasn’t sure where JSP would fit in my new normal. I wasn’t sure, in the struggle of remote school and isolation, that I felt the same passion when I picked up my camera. I wasn’t sure my business could function the same as it had for the past decade with the new stresses the pandemic imposed. Much soul-searching ensued. I decided to try dialing back, to set boundaries, to change how I worked instead of walking away altogether. And I am so glad that I did. Because all of you showed up for me, despite the changes. And we had a blast, and laughed and smiled together, despite the challenges.

As a result, it was one of the best years JSP has ever had on multiple different levels. And, most importantly, I remembered why I loved this job in the first place. Because of YOU, and the friendships we have built over the past ten (eleven?!) years.  Your kids may be taller than I am now. But I still remember our first sessions together, when they were in their diapers and swaddles. We have shared each other’s joys and sorrows, and I will be forever grateful for your loyalty and friendship.

I am excited for JSP in 2022. Some of the changes I implemented may survive into the new year. I probably won’t be shooting in The City as much and may continue to stick closer to home. Who knows how many Blog, Instagram, and Facebook posts will happen. My smile may stay hidden behind a mask during sessions for awhile longer. But, I know it will all work out. It will be OK. Better than OK. It will be good. There are so many special memories yet to capture, and I’m excited to share them with you.

Thank you, friends, for being the bright spot of 2021. And I wish you all a happy and healthy 2022, filled with wonderful new moments.

I can’t think too much about 2020 in terms of my business. It’s been sad and frustrating. But in the spirit of finding the positives, no matter how buried they are in the muck this year, it’s one thing that hasn’t been totally out of my hands. I’ve been able to set boundaries and new rules, and have made it work in a very limited, different capacity. I have been quietly and safely working through my waitlist for the past several months, so incredibly grateful for each session that weather and health has allowed. I’ve only been shooting outside, in uncrowded, suburban settings. I wear a mask, and keep a distance. It’s been a challenge for a lot of reasons, the biggest one being time. My priority has been my children and helping them through remote learning and homeschool situations, and for better or worse, there hasn’t been much time to focus on much else. (You wouldn’t believe how many times the writing of this post has been interrupted!)

But it’s time to wrap 2020 sessions. The weather is quickly turning, the pandemic numbers are spiking once again, and the holidays are coming. I’m going to focus on the shoots that are already on my calendar, that ones that are currently in the works, but won’t be taking new requests for the remainder of the year.

To those who committed to sessions this year, who stuck with me during very uncertain times, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You rearranged your schedules, some of you drove for over an hour to make it work, you helped keep me and my family safe, you gave me your best smiles, and for an hour, provided a warm feeling of normalcy. I am forever grateful you keep choosing me to capture your family memories, and that I get to be a small part of your lives. For those of you who I didn’t get to see this year, please know I feel the empty space where you normally are acutely. I don’t doubt that we will get to catch up again soon, hopefully in happier, less stressful climates.

This isn’t the first time I have had to shut down or greatly reduce the amount of work I can manage. JSP has weathered surprise bedrests and maternity leaves before. But nothing like this. I miss it and YOU and this very huge part of me that I love. I am not worried. Jen Soares Photography will be here when the air clears and the dust settles. When the time and safety constraints ease up. When you can see my smile and we can give high-fives and hugs once again.

Stay safe, friends.