Anticipation filled the air.   My girls could hardly contain their excitement for a new school year.  Both of my girls love to be independent so getting to ride that big yellow bus, enjoy the ‘yummy’ cafeteria food and with the hope of tons of homework, they were in heaven.  And I…was excited for the mini-vacation and long break everyday to put my feet up and just ‘relax’.  HAHA can you hear my sarcasm!!  I must admit I am not the mom that follows the bus to the school to secretly watch them.  But I am the mom that chases them with the camera making them do “1^st day of school photos” followed by a jig after the bus pulls away.

As things shift for me from weekends full of weddings to more senior and family sessions…my daily ‘mini-vacations’ and idealistic view of ‘taking a break’ are filled with that never ending “TO-DO” list.  I am certainly that Type-A personality that has a list and gets much satisfaction from crossing things off,  double starring items and then re-writing lists for my lists.

(Photo from Pinterest )

My days are now  dedicated to trying to have more structured hours.  I say ‘trying’…as it’s certainly going to be a work in progress!  I do have one friend that would think I am on perpetual vacation (SARAH-from EVENTful moments…uh hem)…my daily breaks are certainly not that.  I am not sure if driving here and there count as vacation time although sometimes it provides interesting Instagram photos.

As these breaks from my girls are good for my sanity, I kind of look at taking a break from a set of photos after a session the same way.  Typically after a session I load my images and do a quick overview and post a mini preview for my clients.  I love a little teaser to get them excited about what’s to come.  Next I usually cull through the images, keeping only the ones I may edit or have a hard time deciding between.  Then, I add it to my list and take a break from that set of photos.   I find this break from them for the next week or so allow me to look forward to this session again when it is time to start editing.  Just like the excitement when a day is done and the bus door opens and my girls bounce down the driveway!  I have a new perspective, and fresh eyes!  

It allows me to be much more decisive when picking the photos for the final edit and which ones would provide the best variety for their gallery.  Of course sometimes I just can’t choose but again I would rather have too many than not enough! 

It’s been a week of adjustment but as I read on Instagram the other day…”The only thing constant is change”.  This does seem to be true.  A life lesson for me as well as one to teach my girls.  Roll with it, embrace it and make a choice to be happy.