New Year // 2017 Goals

Happy 2017, friends! 

Here we are, January 4. If you remember, last January 4 was my first full day as a full-time business owner (if you need a refresher, click here). What a day that was! I felt such promise, opportunity and growth right at my finger tips! 

2016 was a true year of growth and growing pains, opportunity and refining my mission as a business owner and so many pinch-me moments. As I moved through the year, I just couldn't help but grin from ear to ear that I was really, truly, living out my dream. But it hasn't been all gold glitter hearts, sunshine and smelling the roses. I've written a little bit about the challenges of owning a business and trust me, there is more to come this year. If I've learned anything about my almost 10 years in business, I've heard that it's so HELPFUL to hear about the experiences of others so you can learn and grow in your own journey. One of my goals this year is to write more about those experiences so ya'll can hopefully grow too. 

Last summer was a dream summer. I had a few bumps in the road, but I worked hard on actually taking a bit of a break. I did my morning coffee walks with Luis and felt my heart just soar in our relationship. We spent time camping and outdoors and I felt so filled to the brim with possibility. And rest. True rest. For someone who never does this and has historically actually disliked nature and sweating in summertime, this was amazing! Luis and I traveled to Washington DC and spent our first vacation together really growing as people and as a couple - plus, with a tour guide like Mary and a chef like Tim, how could you go wrong?! I'd love to share more about this trip soon.

Once the plane wheels hit the tarmack at MSP, I hit the ground running.
> First ever SBP summer mini sessions? CHECK. 
> 9 bar and bat mitzvahs from August to December 2016. CHECK. 
> 5 days of fall mini sessions and 30 families? CHECK. 
> 2 trips to the MN State Fair and an eventful camping weekend? CHECK. 
> Married off my sweet cousin Megan to Kyle and discovered a love for embroidery with my Gram? CHECK. 
> 5 newborn babies, a couple weddings, a few engagement parties and finding a new studio? CHECK. 

The holidays came and we celebrated with grateful hearts and here I am, exhausted. The end of December came and I had on my calendar time set aside to rest, regroup, work on goals for 2017. Start working on personal quilting and embroidery projects, reconnecting with friends and continuing kicking butt at this new-to-me 21 Day Fix Beachbody program. "Resting" but still checking everything off my to-do list. 

Instead? I kept working. I kept my email open and on and the cookies baking and the coffee flowing. 

But this week? I'm readjusting. I'm regrouping. I'm working on getting out of my own way to start seeing where growth has and is happening that I didn't even see because I was too busy.

I've read Emily Ley's Grace Not Perfection and Lara Casey's Make It Happen since Thanksgiving after previously starting the books and pushing them aside, thinking, "This is totally not for me. This is too emotional and of course they can take breaks from work to rest! They're making oodles of money! They have employees! This ship is a solo one for me!" But guess what, friends? There is so much truth in those pages.

In the last year, I told myself if I wasn't busy and checking off my list, I wasn't being a good enough business owner. I told myself that I had to keep working, keep busy and hustle. Good things happen to those who hustle, right?!

But a funny thing happened: when I took Mondays and Fridays off this summer, I felt rested. I felt solid in my relationships because I had time to devote to them. I enjoyed the sunshine and I had new ideas running through my brain like wildfire. I unplugged. 

But once we returned from our vacation, I plugged back in and I stayed that way. I forgot to rest. I forgot to take days off for Luis and I to spend time together. My time with my parents became business-oriented, not family-oriented. 

Years ago, sitting across the table eating ice cream together, my sweet friend Erin told me: It's okay to say no to good things. Four years later and it took a few burst-into-tear sessions for Luis to finally get through to me with this same idea.

I needed to make some hard choices in how I spent my time in order for our family and my business to grow. I had to say no to a few people and organizations I volunteer with. I had to say no to spending two days a week with three amazing kids as their nanny. I had to re-color code my calendar to tell myself that I'll take a lunch break and a workout break and a walking break every day. I have to choose myself (#selfcare!), our relationship, my business and our families and friends before I choose busy. I need to say YES to the things that fill and fuel me. (I'm still working on this list - I'll keep you updated when it's finished!)

.All this to say: I'm still a work in progress! I have a hard time saying no to work, to events and to sessions that will bring in more money. But I'm choosing to not work 1 Saturday a month so that I can really unplug and connect back into my relationships. I'm choosing to not work or meet clients or do sessions or events on Sundays. 

2016 was a year filled with joy. At every turn, I almost fell to my knees in gratitude. I have been abundantly blessed by those I've crossed paths with this year. Onward and upward into 2017 :)

Sommers Family // Lifestyle

A few years back, I met Kate through my graphic designer friend Rae and I instantly gravitated towards her humor, her style, her real life personality and the fact that she's a photographer too! Plus, those twins?! Every single photo she's ever shared for their whole lives is a beauty. 

I photographed Kate and Kyle and the boys when they were a year old and now, they're almost ready for school! I can hardly believe it! Kate photographed my 30th birthday (photos I'll treasure forever!) and in return, I photographed their last family session here in Mpls before their big move to Rocky Mountain Country. 

We did what they've always done: walked to the river, played in the grass, making coffee at home and playing towers at the kitchen island. It was a few hours of absolute perfection, listening to the boys' conversations, questions and how Kate & Kyle parent these cuties. 

These lifestyle sessions are always a highlight for me - an easy peasy way to document your life at home, just as you are, without forced smiles or perfectly planned outfits. These are images you'll treasure forever, when you move away from that home or neighborhood, when your kids grow tall and strong ... you'll want to forget the way they walked, what outfits they picked, your family together-times that come and go. 

If you're interested in a session like this, I'd love to chat with you! 

Samuel // First Year

Baby Samuel's arrival was highly anticipated - especially since I had first met these two lovebirds about two years before, photographed their wedding and an extended family session! I just KNEW Holly and Brian would be the very best parents to their little guy and was so grateful when they asked me to photograph the three of them together in their home a few weeks after Sam had arrived. 

I love meeting the babies of my favorite couples and seeing their personalities come out, even in those first few weeks. Baby Sam has Holly's "don't want to miss a thing" attitude and Brian's kind eyes - and even though Sam was awake most of the night before his session, he never quite fell asleep! He didn't want to miss anything and even muscled his way out of the wraps and blankets we tried to put him in. His coos and smiles were breath-taking and I loved spending time in the morning light with these three :)

Newborn sessions are so fabulous at home - new parents are the most comfortable here, they have all the things they might need to soothe and feed and change baby within arm's reach. Plus, it's so great to have these images to look back on as baby grows. Your family may not live in this first home forever and these memories are ones you'll cherish forever!

Hugs and cuddles to baby Sam and his family - I can't wait to see him for his 6 month photos, right around Mother's Day :) *hint hint, Dad!* XOXO!

Wolpert Family // Lifestyle

"I could never love anyone as I love my sister // Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

Photographing families, especially those with sisters, always brings me to thoughts of my all-time favorite book (and movie!), Little Women. From the time I was young and reading longer books, I always loved this tale of sisters, through so many of seasons of life. I would pretend I was Jo, then maybe Beth with her piano, jealous of Meg who was married first and had twins, Amy with her travels and suitors ... Books have such a power to transport us into a world apart from our own reality, if even for just a little while. 

When I met these sisters for a family session last fall, I loved their banter, their strong personalities and how, even despite their differences, were so protective of each other. Makes me always wish I had a sister! Clients who entrust me with witnessing this bond between siblings is something I always feel so grateful for - and don't take for granted. 

I can't wait to watch these girls grow and to work with this family again, especially in 2017 for Sydney's bat mitzvah! XOXO

Whoa, it's almost SEPTEMBER, friends! How did this happen? Insert your favorite cliche about time flying here :)

Earlier this summer, I got the saddest news ever: Two of my besties Matt + Joy were moving away! Joy is probably the coolest high school English teacher you'll ever meet and Matt is that friend you love to love. I met these two oooodles ago during our undergrad college years and totally called them getting together before anyone else! Okay, truth: everyone knew they were perfect for each other... and in 2010, they tied the knot! We did a couple engagement sessions and their wedding was a blast - one of my favorites so far!

I am so grateful to be their "life moments" photographer, according to Joy. Honestly, their love is perfect, silly, honest and so darn JOYful! Which is why, when they let me know they were moving away, I immediately said we had to photograph at their home before they left. This was the home and neighborhood they fell in love in, were engaged in and started their life together. We had to document it!

One warm perfect summer night, we grilled out, had a couple drinks and walked down to the beach and back. They were hand in hand and I had my camera. It was PERFECT. I left their home that night filled with so much love for these two and feeling oh-so-blessed at the ability to give them this gift :)

Because I'm an ideas machine, I had this great idea: what if I started documenting this moment in my favorite couples' lives? The time before kids, when it's just the two of you. I know a lot of photographers offer these sessions these days, but what if it was EASY? What if it was as simple as a dinner on the patio and a couple of snaps? Or pancakes on a Sunday morning? Or coffee and tea at the shop down the street? 

Stay tuned to the Facebook page for updates on these Easy Breezy Love sessions! Tell your friends, your neighbors and even strangers - spread that love, ya'll! 

xoxo,
Sydnee 

Happy Monday, friends!

Although this isn't a bar + bat mitzvah, I met Miss Ruby at her brother Jacob's bar mitzvah in 2012 and she's been one of my favorites ever since! Ruby's mama Amy called me about needing headshots for her star last summer. 

Coming from a family that was "born for paparazzi," I knew working with Ruby would be fabulous! She came into the studio on the hottest day of the summer and was such a sport. And what a great job taking direction... of course! 

Ruby had been chosen as one of two girls to play the role of Shprintze in "The Fiddler on the Roof" at Chanhassen Dinner Theater last winter. I had the honor of getting a backstage tour for the show and seeing it, up close and personal. Ruby SHINED so bright and it was an amazing time!

Since working with Ruby, I've had the honor of working with two VERY talented brothers - Jonah and Joshua - who will be featured in a show at the History Theater this summer! WOW! 

If your child needs headshots for any auditions, productions or even to give them that extra boost of awesome, I'd love to work with them! 

xoxo,
Sydnee 

 

Valentine's Day is almost here, friends! My absolutely favorite holiday of all time :) Yes, I'm that person that still gives valentines to friends, eats heart-shaped pizza and loves wearing red and pink all day long. I JUST bought my V-day outfit today and it's SO. CUTE. 

If you've been here before, you know I've created this brand around the idea of love, hearts and gold glitter. It's not a secret and I love it that way. Why NOT proclaim love to the world? Everyone loves hearing they're loved, so in this little corner of the world, I want you to know you're amazing. I think you're fabulous and you've got a story to tell. 

All of the stories I tell are based in love - between two people, within a family or a group of friends. One of the love stories I love the most is the one between my graphic designer extraordinaire Rae and her lovely husband Eric. I told their story HERE. 

When Rae approached me about doing a little styled shoot around the simplicity of my favorite holiday, I was all in. Love doesn't have to be a grandiose kind of thing - it's in the small things, in the small words. Let's celebrate that! 

Our shoot centered around the following ideas:
- nibbling on a fabulous tray of tiny treats + drinking champagne toasts
- gifting a homemade Valentine and Instagram photos with magnets
- and my personal favorite, the meat and cheese snacky snacks.

Hopefully this inspires you this Valentine's Day to show your love in a simple way - whomever you proclaim it to will be over the moon, I just know it!

Here are my favorites:

xoxo,
Sydnee 

2013 has been a banner year so far and I've been oh-so-blessed by all of your support and love. Thank you!

About three months ago, my bestie and coffee guru Marissa asked me if I had any work to show at the coffee house where she works here at home in Mpls. I had flashbacks to the last time I showed work in October 2010. The long grueling hours of going back and forth between images, pairing things that shouldn't have been paired, printing, matting, framing, hanging, re-hanging, tea drinking.

As soon as those flashbacks appeared, I flashed forward to the opening night and the hugs, warm wishes, laughter and endless amounts of support I received.

So, I said yes. Because I knew that deep inside my gold-glitter heart, I did have something to show. 

Mid-June came and I had been hoarding all these bright sunny in-home session images from my time in California, looking at them almost daily. The deadline was fast approaching and in a panic, I called my friend Sara Montour and begged for advice. I hopped on my bike (more on that coming soon!) and met her for donuts ten minutes later. 

I poured my heart wide open and Sara, as she always does, told me to JUST GO FOR IT. Show your heart and people will respond positively to it. They always have, right? Trust the process and trust that your heart knows. 

I went home that day and chose my absolute favorite images from California, Minneapolis, my studio and all of it? Came directly from my heart through the printer to the frames on the walls. 

What's most interesting about these images is that no, they aren't perfect. No, these aren't images you typically expect to see on the walls of a downtown coffeeshop when you're studying for summer school exams or meeting a friend for a morning brew. I didn't edit any of these images heavily or make them all all-stars. That's not my style, it's not ME. Who I am, deep inside my core is a storyteller. So! These images are perfect to me because they tell a story of who these families are in their core: honest, vulnerable, ADORABLE and full of love and life. And that's why I chose them. 

I'm thrilled to invite all of you to this little corner of Minneapolis on August 1 - let's eat cupcakes and look at images together. I mean, I'm baking one in my little apartment kitchen JUST FOR YOU. I hope you'll join me!

xoxo,
Sydnee 

Happy Monday, loves!

Welcome to a new "section" of the blog: All that Glitters! This label will be used to designate announcements, both personal and business-oriented. Things like mini session dates, studio news, coupon codes or giveaways - all things that are sure to catch your attention, just like all the gold glitter that's been spread over my little home on the Internet over the past 3 months.

The perfect announcement to use with this new label is that I'm hosting another mini session date, THIS SUNDAY, at my Northeast studio and I'd love to see you there! See below for all the details and don't be shy! Email me to book :)

I can't wait to meet you!

Hi there!

It's officially 2013 and whoa, do I have a lot to share - but first things first, thank you.

Because of all of YOU, 2012 was the best year yet, both personally and professionally. I made the big leap to full-time photography and almost immediately, business started booming and hasn't slowed down. I'm so incredibly grateful for all of you and the love you've spread on my behalf. Ya'll really should just pat yourselves on the back!

What does 2013 look like over here? Well, for one thing, it's big and bright and filled with glitter hearts! I'm filled with butterflies over what's going to be revealed in the coming weeks and months and I hope you are in for a really fun ride - I'll save room in the passenger seat for you, promise.

First things first, tomorrow I'm going to be debuting the images from Ben + Deirdre's wedding and be sure to scroll all the way down for an extra special dose of awesome. You won't want to miss this!!

Next up...you'll have to wait and see! What's to come is something I'm so so proud of - I can't wait to share it with you!

xoxo,
Syd