As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. This year has been transformative—I became a mom, connected with so many wonderful new clients, grew my business, and discovered a photography style I’m passionate about pursuing and perfecting. There’s so much to be grateful for and reflect on.

In this blog, I want to share some of the challenges 2024 brought my way and take a moment to reflect on them, both personally and as a photographer. I’ll also be looking ahead and sharing what I’m hopeful for in 2025!

Reflection of my BUSINESS

In April 2024, I celebrated one full year in business—a milestone that brought immense pride. I saw significant growth in my work, my mindset, and my confidence, and I couldn’t be happier with how far I’ve come. I’ve loved welcoming repeat clients and watching their families grow. Yet, despite all these wins, I sometimes felt defeated. I couldn’t help but wonder—why did I feel less accomplished or like I was somehow falling behind?

I believe part of this stems from social media. While it’s a fantastic tool for growing a business, it can also be overwhelming. The constant pressure to keep your calendar full, master TikTok trends, and essentially become an influencer can overshadow the creative passion that got you started.

Then there’s the question of competition. How do I stand out among countless photographers offering lower prices and more deliverables? How do I convince potential clients to invest in my work—my art—rather than choosing someone cheaper? These doubts made me question my worth. Should I lower my prices? But here’s what I learned: comparison is the thief of joy.

Even if I did lower my prices, I’d still face the same competition at that price point. Photography is a beautifully saturated field, full of talent, but that also makes it daunting. It’s so easy to compare yourself to others—to envy their bookings or editing styles and wonder, “How can I ever be that good?” But going down the path of envy and jealousy got me nowhere. It only left me feeling resentful and inadequate.

I had to pause and reflect on my journey—on the growth I’ve experienced not just as a photographer, but as a graphic designer, marketer, and businesswoman. This business is mine. It carries my name, my heart, and my art, and I should be proud of it. Every single booking this past year has been an honor, a gift, and a testament to the trust my clients place in me. Knowing they’ve chosen to invest their hard-earned money in my craft means everything.

As I look ahead to 2025, my goal is to continue believing in myself, to foster connections within the photography community rather than focusing on competition, and to keep striving to be the best version of me. Transparency and honesty are incredibly important to me, and I hope that by sharing my struggles, other photographers who may feel the same can find comfort in knowing they’re not alone. No one is perfect, and that’s okay—growth and self-belief are what truly matter.

Reflection of my personal journey

My greatest accomplishment of 2024 has undoubtedly been becoming a mom to a healthy, thriving little boy. Most of the year was spent preparing for his arrival, and the last three months have been filled with an abundance of love and joy. Yet, amidst these beautiful moments, I’ve experienced my fair share of ups and downs. My mental health has fluctuated, and I’ve faced new anxieties and challenges along the way.

One of the biggest struggles I’ve encountered is mom guilt—a feeling that seems almost ingrained in us as women. No one in my life has ever made me feel guilty for working, pursuing school, or even taking an hour to unwind. And yet, I find myself feeling as though I should spend every moment with my son, as if doing anything else is somehow selfish.

I’ve come to realize that this guilt stems from an identity crisis of sorts—I’m still figuring out how to exist as both Lauren and Lauren, the mom. Balancing these two identities is something I’m learning to navigate, and it’s not easy.

As I head into 2025, my hope is to continue working through this transition, to embrace this new chapter of my life, and to find a sense of harmony between who I was and who I’m becoming.