Farewell...
This decision has been weighing heavy on me and was very difficult to make. I am not a quitter, I do no like to give up. My clients have kept me going for longer than I should have, I didn't want to let anyone down.
My pain level has increased ten-fold over the years, and my ability to get around at sessions has declined, despite the front that I put on for all to see, inside it has been killing me. I force a smile and tell everyone "I'm surviving", but honestly, that couldn't be any further from the truth.
In years past, used to be I could do a session and feel pain for a day after, got editing done the same day, and everyone was happy. Now, a session knocks me out of commission for a week sometimes longer, I can't sit at the computer for long without having to change positions or lay down for a while because it causes migraines from the degenerative disc disease in my spine and my spinal cord injury. Four failed spinal surgeries were the icing on the cake, and doctors said there is nothing more they can do.
Though I will no longer be doing photo sessions, I still plan to work with the Chamber of Commerce and provide photos with Santa each December as I have ongoing for the last 6-7 years. I also have a side business called Small Teaspoon Photo Art - which allows me the freedom to take pictures of every day things and edit at my leisure, creating framed art for home and office. My focus will be shifting to that as it doesn't demand much physically from me.
Currently, your photos are hosted through my Zenfolio account, where you review, order, and share your session images. I will not be renewing my subscription to this service in January - BUT - your images will always be available for ordering should you need more copies, CD, etc. I have all of your images backed up on my computers and external hard drives.
{To my clients: I love you all dearly and you have kept me going through the years, I didn't want to give up because I enjoy what I do so very much. The joy that I have seen from each of you as I provided fun and memorable images will be something that I will miss tremendously. Please understand and respect my decision, I know that some of you it will leave in a bind, and I am so very sorry. My family has been prodding me for many years to give it up and focus on my health, but my stubbornness has only gotten in the way. You all gave me hope, laughter, and many smiles. Thank you.}
My pain level has increased ten-fold over the years, and my ability to get around at sessions has declined, despite the front that I put on for all to see, inside it has been killing me. I force a smile and tell everyone "I'm surviving", but honestly, that couldn't be any further from the truth.
In years past, used to be I could do a session and feel pain for a day after, got editing done the same day, and everyone was happy. Now, a session knocks me out of commission for a week sometimes longer, I can't sit at the computer for long without having to change positions or lay down for a while because it causes migraines from the degenerative disc disease in my spine and my spinal cord injury. Four failed spinal surgeries were the icing on the cake, and doctors said there is nothing more they can do.
Though I will no longer be doing photo sessions, I still plan to work with the Chamber of Commerce and provide photos with Santa each December as I have ongoing for the last 6-7 years. I also have a side business called Small Teaspoon Photo Art - which allows me the freedom to take pictures of every day things and edit at my leisure, creating framed art for home and office. My focus will be shifting to that as it doesn't demand much physically from me.
Currently, your photos are hosted through my Zenfolio account, where you review, order, and share your session images. I will not be renewing my subscription to this service in January - BUT - your images will always be available for ordering should you need more copies, CD, etc. I have all of your images backed up on my computers and external hard drives.
{To my clients: I love you all dearly and you have kept me going through the years, I didn't want to give up because I enjoy what I do so very much. The joy that I have seen from each of you as I provided fun and memorable images will be something that I will miss tremendously. Please understand and respect my decision, I know that some of you it will leave in a bind, and I am so very sorry. My family has been prodding me for many years to give it up and focus on my health, but my stubbornness has only gotten in the way. You all gave me hope, laughter, and many smiles. Thank you.}
