I know, I know. the new year already happened. Everyone has done their 2025 recaps and hopes/resolutions for 2026, but I needed a break before diving back in. In my photography business I have always had clear seasons. September to Christmas is insane. 75 % of my business is done in those months. January until mid-March, or when the weather gets good, is quiet season. Then insanity comes back from mid-March until it gets too hot out or the kids are out of school. Followed by quiet again for the summer. So come January I need rest. And that is just what I did.

Before moving on to 2026, I want to say a huge heartfelt THANK YOU to all my clients of 2025. Many repeats and lots of new clients. I love getting to learn about your businesses and families. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for the trust you have placed in me to document your beautiful, chaotic, and completely unique family story. Below is just a portion of the beautiful faces I got to photograph.

Resolutions?

Yesterday I went to Elevated Exchange, a women’s networking group, and we talked about resolutions and staying true to yourself. It was so eye opening and got me thinking. I normally don’t make resolutions or pick a word of the year. That is so much pressure to pick just one word that will embody your whole year. I learned years ago that I would make resolutions on 12/31 then by mid January they had all disappeared because I was over it. Or what I resolved to do was not really something I wanted, but what I thought was expected. Which of course sets resolutions up for failure.

Over the years I have looked at the new year as a fresh slate with not much more than living day by day. This year I am not resolving to do things by the end of the year. Instead, I am putting my desires into the world by naming them, honoring them, and working toward them. These are things that have been on my heart for awhile now. I said some out loud at my group last night and it feels important to say them out loud.

So tell me do you make resolutions and are they influenced by those around you or truly what you want?

Putting It Out There

Ok, here is the list of things I am putting out there and will be working towards this year. These are things I have been thinking about for months and need it to be out there. These are in no particular order.

I will photograph more creative projects.

This means giving myself permission to play. Experimenting with lighting to create more editorial, unexpected images, and leaning into themed sessions. Maybe that looks like date night in the back of an old truck, or a quiet sunrise at the lake. I want to explore color more freely and create work that feels inspired and intentional.

The session below was the last creative session I did for me (not the client) and it was everything I envisioned and more. I want more of that!

I will have a studio space again.

Not just any space. The right one.

I envision a studio with at least one wall of floor-to-ceiling, untinted windows. I’d love original, unpainted brick on at least part of one wall. Concrete floors would be ideal (though wood would be okay). I want one white wall and one warm gray plaster or painted studio wall that feels intentionally organic.

The space needs room to breathe. An office, a conference-style meeting space, a storage room, and a bathroom or dressing room would all be perfect. I want it to be located in a thriving area, with opportunities to create both inside and outside the studio walls.

This will be my creative home, but also a space where other photographers and creatives can come to create, collaborate, and feel inspired.

I will photograph more businesses.

I’m calling in more brand work with businesses and creatives who care deeply about what they do. For example: personal stylists, business coaches, designers, event planners, home organizers, decorators, beauty pros, wellness practitioners (yoga instructors, massage therapists), ballet dancers, gymnasts, and more.

I want to tell their stories in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and true.

I will take more intentional time for myself and my family.

This includes deepening my faith, creating quiet reset moments, moving my body, and finding a hobby that exists outside of work and family. Space to breathe. Space to be present. Space to simply be.

I will finish my own mini rebrand.

This looks like a refreshed website, refined materials and systems, a potential logo update, and intentionally documenting my own brand through photography. Showing up as both the creative and the subject.

Just like in the ER you never say the Q word otherwise it is about to get super crazy. I am not going to say anything about how this year will go. I will say I am looking forward to looking back at this post in 2027 and being proud of the growth I have had this year.

Now booking your special moments

Ann Keen Photography is a family portrait photographer and small business brand photographer based in Auburn and Palm Desert California. Ann offers high school senior portraits, family portraits, headshots, and branding photography all over the state California, including Placer County and Riverside County (Coachella valley). Contact Ann to book your custom session. To see more of Ann’s work, visit her website or check her out on Instagram.