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January is a time to reassess goals, press the reset button and strive to work harder, work better and generally focus on what it is we want to achieve.

I must admit that in the latter half of last year I got monumentally sidetracked from my photography business goals, returning to my 'day job' and taking on a full-on, full-time role that left me no time for photography or even my family.

Thankfully, now I'm back on track and have returned to what I love and where I need to be. So even though I'm not usually one for resolutions - I think now is definitely the time to map out my goals for the next year and beyond (so hopefully I don't do anything stupid like take a full-time job when I'm meant to be running my own business!!)

Here are some ideas for general goals and resolutions you might like to set yourself this year:

1. Break bad habits 

This sounds ridiculous I know, but this year I want to take more photos! I don't take nearly enough pictures of my own family and I never get in them myself so this year I plan to rectify that. Whatever it might be that you feel you're not doing enough of or if there's an area that you feel you are weakest at – it might be social media or blogging, perhaps it's follow-up emails or providing enough variety in your galleries – now is the perfect time to identify that area and work towards changing things up.

2. Set your sights

What’s the one goal you want to achieve this year? Perhaps you want to master macro? (Did you know you don’t have to spend loads of money on a macro lens? You can pick up a set of three macro filters for under $20 on Amazon that work really well) Or maybe you have a magic sales target you plan to hit? My goal is to make time for as much birth photography as I can. I’m also going to get strict about the hours that I work (no more night shifts!) and be more present when I’m with my family and leave those emails until I clock on. Whatever it is you want to achieve, writing your goals down and visualising them (I know, I know…) is the most important first step to making them happen.

3. Room for improvement

Do you want to spend less time editing (don’t we all?), get better at in-person sales or just nail your focus? There are so many fabulous online tutorials, the world is your oyster – in fact, the only thing stopping you is deciding which topic to start with. Phlearn.com is perfect for Photoshop tutorials, particularly if like me you need to watch a video for it to sink in. Clickin Moms is a great place to find workshops on any and every facet of portrait photography and Pretty Presets has so many awesome free resources it’s almost criminal.

4. Believe in yourself more

As photographers, mums, women (people!), we often don't give ourselves enough credit or reward our own worth. Just as mums punish themselves with unnecessary guilt, photographers often question their own value and spend far too much time comparing themselves to others rather than embracing what makes them unique and valuable to their clients. I'm just as guilty of this as the next photographer so this year I plan to get AIPP accreditation for no reason other than as a reminder to myself that if I don't value my worth and take myself seriously then how can anyone else?

5. Push yourself

Go on, step outside your comfort zone – just a little! While it’s good to specialise, find your niche and stick to what you’re good at, it can also get a little tired and samey. Think you’re no good at landscapes? Seniors? Boudoir? Night photography? Well why not pick a genre and have a go? Or think that you can’t commit to a photo a day challenge? Try a weekly or even monthly one instead. Want to increase your prices but worried it will scare off clients? How will you ever know until you try it?

Let’s make 2017 the year you start to document your beautiful family just as they are right now! To book your lifestyle family photography session on location or the comfort of your own home, please contact me here to work out a time that suits you. Dx

We know you can't wait to share your happy news with friends and family so let us create custom birth announcement cards just for you. In premium stock matte or linen finish paper with matching envelopes, these are the perfect way to show off your beautiful photos and say thank you to all those well wishers in one go. Prices start from just $55. Only available when booking a newborn photography session. 

To book your lifestyle newborn photography session at home or in-hospital 'fresh 48' session, please call 0406932902 or contact me here to work out a time that suits you.

**Special offer** Book a newborn session in August and receive free bespoke birth announcement/thank you cards so you can share your happy news with friends and family in style!

Email [email protected] for more information

Stuck for ideas these holidays? Want to update your family photos? I am running a limited number of fun and affordable 30-minute mini sessions on July 14, 15 and 16 for just $150, which includes your relaxed family shoot and 10 beautiful high res digital images, fully edited to print as you please. These sessions will be held at Flying Fox Park, Mona Vale between 10am-4pm, Thurs 14 and Fri 15, and 9am-3pm Saturday July 16. To secure your spot now, you can call 0406932902, email [email protected] or contact me here.

Can't wait to meet you and your family! Dx