When I was applying for jobs my senior year of college, my number one, biggest pet peeve was not hearing back from potential employers. Like at all, ever. Even after interviewing with an organization. Now that I've lived in the real world for a few years, I totally understand that stuff gets lost in the shuffle and responding to every potential, entry-level employee is not super high on the to do list. BUT it made a impression on me, especially because I was applying for communication jobs. I mean, come on. You have to have good communication with your future communication coordinator!
So, I vowed that when I finally got my first job, I wouldn't be like that. I would respond lickety-split to each and every person who contacted me. I can't say I'm perfect, but I do get a high from responding to a potential client within minutes of receiving his/her e-mail. Nerd alert for sure. :)
However, at the same time that I love being connected, communicating with people, writing e-mails, posting on social media and crafting blogs, I also love having time away and being disconnected. I think that balance is so important to avoid burnout. As much as I love what I do, it is still work and a break from the computer screen is necessary every once in awhile!
This is all to say that, from here on out, I'll be going off the grid for one week, twice a year to recharge and find new inspiration away from a screen. No e-mailing. No blog stalking. No Facebooking. You get the idea. (I will, however, be continuing my 365 day photo challenge via Instagram, the ONLY technology I'm allowing myself.) And my first technology-free week starts tomorrow! I'm so looking forward to this time solely devoted to spending time with Nathan, reading good books and living in the moment, rather than across the World Wide Web. I'll be back on the grid Tuesday, Sept. 3. Expect a new blog post and e-mail responses bright and early that day!
And because I've been really busy photographing lots of beautiful people, here are some sneak peeks of what I've been working on lately ...
Kelsey and Matt's Miami University engagement session
Baby Spencer's newborn session (with now-big brother Connor!)
Anna and Clede's sunset, beach engagement session
Baby Gabrielle's 6-month session at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Melissa and Derek's downtown Cleveland engagement session
The D family's Headlands Beach session
Julie and Emery's North Canton engagement session
Those cheeks! And eyelashes! I can't handle it. Baby Gabrielle is the cutest. I met her family early on a cool August morning and we trekked through the woods to reach one of my favorites spots to shoot. She was sweet as a newborn, but this little lady is such a beauty at just 6 months. Her tiny pink shirt perfectly complimented her blue eyes and her roly-poly arms ... oh my word. You have to take a look.
