Business | Goals 2013

Here we go.

That moment where you admit the things you want to accomplish.

Even if you aren’t a believer of New Years Resolutions, you likely still have those ailing thoughts in the back of your head.

2012 was good. I cannot complain given the state of our economy, I’ve managed to maintain a business and turn a profit. Was it perfect? Nope. Did I do what I set out? Nope. Was it ok, anyway? Yes.

So… for 2013 here are a few things on the horizon- both professional & personal.

1. Complete the beach house (well, let the contractor build it, and then be financially responsible while furnishing it)

2. Blog more. I know- something I say each year (or month for that matter!)… I did pretty well over the holidays, blogging more in the last weeks than I have in months. Keep it up.

3. Be more daring with lighting. And when I say daring, I mean just use them. Don’t get me wrong, every single wedding reception we shoot, we use lights…. but I want to try using them other times too.

4. Shoot tighter. As I looked back over images for our 2012 weddings post, I noticed one thing… I am really, really good at doing a full length shot of a couple…. not so much waist up or head shots :-/ Work on being more diverse.

5. Network more. I can be a bit of a homebody and not want to go out….. especially on a week day when I’ve been working all day.

6. Eat better. I seem to go through spurts where I do really well…. and then BAM! I find myself in the drive-thru day after day.

7. Use that gym membership you pay for. I really don’t hate the gym, but I really love sitting on the sofa. Ugh.

8. Start thinking about and preparing for a baby. Nope, not pregnant…. but I want to feel a little more prepared…. this means a lot of different things (jobs, saving, health, etc.) and I won’t bore you with the details….. but yeah.

9. More time off. This one is tricky because ultimately I want to shoot more…. just be smarter about it. We found ourselves on the road far too much the last 2 years…. time away from home has been tough. We want to condense portrait sessions to one weekend a month, instead of one each weekend. I know this is going to be hard, as I really am a people-pleaser, and want to be as accommodating as possible…. but I just can’t do it all…. and if a baby does come in the mix, I really won’t be able to do it all!

10. Continue to provide the best customer service I want to be your photographer, confidant and problem solver.

11. Finally- shoot more film for fun! Which leads me to…..

Who wants to model?? I’m itching to do a session 100% film (so scary!)….. here’s the criteria….. must be 22-35, male & female and willing to play bride & groom in the Charlotte area on February 3, 2PM. You’ll be responsible for bringing the dress, and I must approve it… I want full length, white (or off white), simple….. (no crazy embellishments), think JCrew-ish….. and a black suit with white shirt. ( I do own a dress that’s a size 6ish, if you want to wear that.)

Who’s in?! Email me at info@jjhortonphotography.com

below is Melissa on her wedding day, shot on film