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I recently took a photography class, and I am sharing some of the images I took during the class. Did you know that I was completely self-taught? I picked up a camera 23 years ago, learned how to use it, and started a business. Even though I've been successful, I always regretted not getting any formal training. 

Here's to no regrets in 2023!

So, after 20 years of photography, I am finally here to post my first blog. Many of you are probably wondering where I have been lately, you may have noticed that I have not been posting much on various social media platforms. I'm here today to update you on life and how I got to where I am. I wanted to share what has changed with Fresh Click Photography, and also what I hope will never change. 

Let's start with the things that will remain. The first thing that will never shift is my love and passion for photography, which has given me a fulfilling career I never expected to have when I picked up a camera 21 years ago. The next thing that will never waiver is my appreciation for my clients; they genuinely are why I love my job so much. I always plan to be a photographer. 

For many years, I was working full-time, did photography, raised four kids, and stayed up all night editing. Many times, I did not know if I could fit anything more on my plate. But I always found a way to add more. During this period, my clients and love for the job helped me push through.

Life got even busier as my kids got older, and my business did too. At that point, I decided to cut back on my job at Mayo to focus more on photography. However, being married to a farmer meant I could only partially take that leap, so I stayed at Mayo part-time and continued doing both jobs for years.

More time passed, and there was a significant advancement in digital cameras, they were also more affordable. With this, I watched as clients I once had, bought cameras of their own; some even opened photography businesses. Most found it was more challenging than they assumed and quit, but some succeeded. Although many clients stuck with me, others tried different photographers. I must admit that each time this happened, I questioned my ability. Am I still a great photographer? Are my pictures as good as theirs? More and more studios were popping up. However, I remained as busy as ever. I was very content when I finally accepted that I might lose some clients to other people and started focusing on the fact that I still had more clients than I could handle at times. And, of course, I still loved what I did. 

In 2020, Covid hit, and the world as we knew it shut down and changed. The shutdown was indeed a turning point. I finally learned what it is like to stop burning the candle at both ends. I got a taste of what life was like to not work all the time. For the first time, I could have an evening in which I did not have to sit at my computer and edit a photoshoot (or five). I could do something fun last minute because my calendar was not booked solid with shoots. As much as I hated COVID, it saved me. I realized then that I wanted to spend less time working and more time with my kids and friends doing things I enjoy.

COVID also affected my Mayo Clinic job, in a big way. Everything changed, and I was pretty miserable for a while. So, after 24 years in the same department, I took a new position. It was the scariest thing I have ever done, but I do not regret it. This new job, and my "COVID awakening", helped me realize that I wanted and needed a change.

Now finally, what will be different moving forward? I recently had the opportunity to rent out my studio. I was not looking for a renter, but they approached me, and I took it as a sign. Speaking of signs, if you're on Main Street of St. Charles and notice something missing, the BIG Fresh Click Photography sign has been replaced with a different one. I will no longer be doing studio photography, but I do still plan to take a limited number of on-location/outdoor shoots in the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons. That being said, if you are looking to book a child, family, or senior photoshoot, please reach out. I would love to get you on my calendar. I never plan to set down my camera for good, as it's part of who I am. I plan to continue to do what I love, just a little less of it! 

Thank you to my clients who have reached out and supported my business through this transition. I truly appreciate all of you. 

Kathy