“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”
Maya Angelou
Thankful
I cannot express enough how much I truly appreciate everyone that has been part of my journey over the last 10 years!! It has been quite the ride.
I briefly mentioned part of my journey on day 1 a few days ago. So, I thought I would talk about a little more.
The journey!
On October 2, 2009 I officially opened by business here in Auburn, CA. I really had no idea what would come of it, and just knew I wanted to capture the stories of others. I had the wonderful opportunity to capture multiple families, siblings, a wedding, and a couple events that year. Well almost year.
In July 2010 we moved to Palm Desert, CA. Yep you read that right. We moved in July to the DESERT. Even though I had just opened my business not even a year earlier, I was having to start all over again. That was definitely not in the original plan.
Growth began
After about a year in the desert, I built some amazing friendships. I spent many hours in mentoring sessions from the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center and the Small Business Development Center. That was when my business began to take off.
I started mentoring high school juniors and seniors interested in photography or entrepreneurship through the Women Leaders Forum. During my time in the desert I photographed medical equipment, families, extended families, products for small businesses, headshots, engagements, proposals, high school seniors, maternity, newborns, weddings, and sweet little angel babies. I was a sponsor for the Fall Family Festival in La Quinta, CA for multiple years. My son and I raised money to help Safehouse of the Desert, and actually got to help build one of their buildings. I even had one of my abstract photographs hung in the Palm Springs Art Museum for 8 weeks, and it was one of 7 photographs in the show of about 300 art pieces. So thankful for that opportunity. I also had the opportunity to lead other photographers in photography sessions at multiple United conferences and was a part of many business networking groups.
I would have never imagined that living in the desert would have been one of my favorite times in life. Don’t get me wrong, the heat was BRUTAL!! Outside of that I had a great time, and the winters were fantastic. So fantastic that you would almost forget about the heat that would soon be back.
While I was there, I made some amazing friendships, gained wonderful clients that became true friends, made many business connections, became part of the community, and had a phenomenal church family. I am so thankful for the desert area and my desert family and friends. You all became such a huge part of my story. I would not be where I am today without you all! Thank you!
Moving again
We soon found ourselves getting ready to move again. We were fully pregnant with our miracle baby and preparing to say “until next time” to our desert home. This time we were headed back to Auburn, CA. Where we currently reside. I do travel back to the desert 2-4 times a year to visit and photograph some fantastic people.
The move back was not easy. We went from our house was in escrow to an RV for a month. Then to Travis’s grandparent’s house to a condo, and finally to our current home. This all happened within about a 5-6 month span. After a short break, due to above and a baby being born, I jumped right back into photographing stories. One of the first sessions was a wedding. It was a super sweet couple that had just about every type of weather happen right before the ceremony. From sunshine when we arrived to extreme winds, rain, hail, lightning, and thunder. It was crazy. But when it passed through the sky opened into a beautiful blue sky and perfect remainder of the day. It was just how I felt about our transition back to Auburn. Out of control chaos to a beautiful future.
The Journey in Auburn
My journey over the last 5 years has been up and down. But it hasn’t stopped me. I have so many wonderful clients/friends. I have captured countless weddings at some stunning venues, and gotten to snuggle some absolutely precious new babies. Family sessions have overflowed with laughter, love, tickles, and snuggles. And maybe a few favorite cereals or cheeses in sexy voices to get just the right expression. Along with some unexpected ones. High school senior portraits full of hopes, dreams, and huge plans. It was an honor to capture headshots and events for our local Police and Fire departments and our city council members. These guys work so hard for our community and I loved seeing their personalities come out in their portraits. I have helped some small businesses with product photography, gaining traction on instagram, and customized a few websites. I have also had the opportunity to teach a few classes one on one in photography and business. There has been so many wonderful times with everyone, which you will see in the photos below. I am forever thankful!
Today’s giveaway
Phew this is turning into quite the post. So I will get right down to it. Today’s giveaway is for all my past clients. As a thank you for choosing me out of a sea of options.
Now I want to see your photos. If you have ever had a session with me I want to you to share with me your photo wall from your home. I know many of you have printed your favorite images and put them up in your home. Take a photo of your photos I have photographed that you have displayed in your home and head over to Facebook or Instagram and post it in the comments. Aren’t on social media, then simply text it to me. You have until Wednesday, 1/8/2020 at 5p PST to share them with me. I will announce the winners at 5:30pm PST on 1/8/2020. More details posted at the end of this post.
So what do you win?? You will win a 11×14 print of your favorite image, ready to hang or display in your home, and 50% off your next session. Oh and 2 people will win this!!! Just my way to share how thankful I am for you all.
Are you living only in a digital age and have nothing printed and on your walls, shelves, etc.? That is ok. I got you! Go ahead and just post your favorite image I have taken for you. You will still be entered.
I cannot wait to see all your images displayed in your homes. Thank you again for being an important part of my story over the last 10 years!! You all will forever hold a place in my heart.
2019 highlight images!!
SO THANKFUL!
Giveaway details: This giveaway is only for past and current clients of Ann Keen Photography. Must have had a session with Ann Keen Photography in the past or one already on the calendar. 11×14 print can be from a session in the past or reserved for an upcoming session. 50% off next session must be used within 2020, and cannot be used with other discounts. Not redeemable for cash. You must not have already won one of the previous anniversary giveaways. This giveaway is not sponsored by Facebook, Instagram, or anyone outside of Ann Keen Photography. Giveaway ends Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 5p PST and winners will be announced Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 5:30p PST.
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