10/09/2026
If I could go back and tell the younger version of me how far I’ve come with photography, I think she would be SO freaking proud of herself. 🥹🤎📸
When I first started photography, I absolutely LOVED taking pictures. But let’s be real… some of those photos were straight-up TRASH. 😭😂 The posing? Questionable. The angles? Not the best. The editing? We’re not even going to talk about it. And the blurriness? GIRL. 🫣
Looking back at some of my old work makes me cringe a little, but honestly, it also makes me proud. Because I can actually SEE how much I’ve grown. 🥹
Now, I look at my work and see sharp images, better angles, more intentional posing, editing that is 🔥, and so many little details that I never would have noticed when I first started. I’ve learned so much, invested in myself, upgraded my equipment, and put so much time and love into getting better at something I’ve always loved doing.
And as much as I love some of my older photos, I would be lying if I said I didn’t wish I could go back and retake some of them with the knowledge, skills, and equipment I have now. I would do it in a HEARTBEAT. 😂🤎
But that’s the thing about growth. You can’t expect yourself to know everything when you’re just starting out. You learn, you make mistakes, you experiment, you cringe at your old work, and you keep going anyway. And one day, you look back and realize just how far you’ve come.
And I HAVE to give the biggest shout-out to my two clients who have been with me through this entire journey. You two know exactly who you are, and I hope you know how much I LOVE and appreciate you. 🥹🤎
Thank you for trusting me with your memories from the very beginning, for continuing to come back, and for allowing me to grow alongside you. Even though I loved your photos back then, I can look at them now and see a hundred little things I would do differently today. And that’s not because those memories weren’t beautiful or meaningful, but because I’ve grown so much as a photographer since then.
Seeing your most recent photos compared to those first sessions makes my heart SO happy. Getting to photograph you again and seeing the difference in my work is something I will never take for granted. And I seriously cannot WAIT to create more memories with you both. 🥹🤍
To the younger me who picked up a camera, took pictures she loved, and had absolutely no idea where this journey would lead: LOOK AT US NOW, GIRL. 🥹📸
And to everyone who has trusted me, supported my business, booked a session, shared my work, or cheered me on along the way, THANK YOU. You are part of this journey, too.
I’m nowhere near done learning, growing, or improving, and that’s one of my favorite parts of this whole thing. I can’t wait to see what my work looks like another year from now. 🤎
Here’s to growth, trusting the process, and never being afraid to look back at where you started. ✨
Gracefully Rooted Photography & Film
Preserving your story, one moment at a time. 🤍
