OMG… its January!
Well, here we are, starting another year, halfway through a decade! (GASP)
Also, kudos to me, as I have a blog post once a month! A new record, given the number of website re-designs and past blog attempts. Hooray Me!
It’s hard to believe it’s already January. Somewhere in my mind, I’m still back in October, trying to process how we went from Thanksgiving to Christmas. My daughter just finished her first semester of college, and both of us are a year older. Yikes!
The start of a new year often brings feelings of new beginnings, fresh ideas, thoughts, and exciting goals to look forward to. However, this morning didn’t begin on an optimistic note for me. I received news about a long-time client that might alter the course of my year. After the initial shock wore off, a couple of cups of coffee and discussions with my fellow co-workers helped me realize that change is inevitable, and there’s nothing we can do about it since we’re not in control. The best approach is to keep moving forward.
Knowing that change might be on the horizon, I’ve been pondering the “what-ifs” for the past few months. One thing I know for sure is that I still don’t know how this merger will unfold. I can’t control my fate with this client, and this isn’t the first time I’ve navigated such changes. In fact, this client has caused me a few scares over the last three decades. And let’s not forget The Covid Pandemic of 2020….. nevermind.. let’s for..get 2020! I’ve also survived many past clients going out of business. When I reflect on all the clients I’ve photographed in the past 35 years, many of them are no longer in business. Goodbye to names like Cabela’s, Tuesday Morning, Carson Pirie Scott, Service Merchandise, Best, NCH, and The Bombay Company, along with Tandy, Pier One Imports, among others. There are brands you might be too young to have heard of, or perhaps too old to remember due to dementia or CRS (can’t remember stuff)—or maybe you simply don’t care. Regardless, if you’ve read this far, thank you!
Change is undeniably scary. As I write this, I’m feeling quite worried. However, change can also be a great motivator. When situations become uncomfortable, it’s time to get to work. My goals for 2025 include increasing my marketing efforts and finding new and fabulous people to collaborate with! I’m also excited about creating more drone photography and video, both professionally and personally. If we don’t change our circumstances, then nothing changes.
I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year! For those of you affected by the same client as me, I hope for new beginnings, and I’ll do my best to bring along as many of you as I can! A rising tide raises all boats!
Cheers!
Photography Brenda Teall Copyright 2024. Art Director: Rhonda Adams, Stylist: Heidi Adams