Go ME!?

So, I took a little break today from editing and album design to do the old budget. This isn't exactly the most enjoyable thing to do in the first year of business. It's actually about as fun as falling into a deep well and trying to climb back out without a rope. But today, internet world, the day has finally come. I am in the BLACK! In fact, I have even made enough profit, that if divided over the course of the last year, I can pay myself a whopping...

$1.37 an hour.

Ouch.

As I saw the cold hard truth come through on the calculator I found myself contemplating if it was worth it. I mean sure, I'm glad I was able to do my small part in stimulating the economy and keeping Nikon, Apple and Adobe in business, but what about my economy? Quick calculations started adding up in my head about the vacations I could have taken had I not bought that better lens, gone to that workshop, upgraded to that monitor. Had I stayed at the old day job, I'd be how far ahead?! But the answer is ABSOLUTELY. Every single bit of this grueling, scary, expensive, exhausting, mind boggling, AWESOME, freedom filled year has been nothing but rewarding. I have met so many amazing people through the clients I've worked with and the photographers who have taught me or learned along side me. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'll admit making less than minimum wage isn't so impressive, but nothing beats saying goodbye to the alarm, working in pajamas, having as many coffee breaks as I want, when I want (and the added benefit of being able to pee more than once in a 12 hour day), and of course, finally doing what I really, really love.

In light of this feat, I think I might go treat myself to a little something special - maybe from the dollar menu. Can't blow the budget! And, I also like to give a lot of thanks to the corporate world and my darling husband who works there. I obviously couldn't have done any of this if he wasn't such a trooper getting up at 5:30 to do whatever business people do. But, don't feel too bad for him. I went to see him at work a few weeks ago, and I found him in the lobby hanging out with his BFFAW's. They seemed to be working really hard...


Ok, so it was Halloween, but oh my gosh, I have never seen a company party like this! The only one I ever bothered to attend sent me home through a blizzard with food poisoning! But, this was SO FUN! Props to Mars Petcare for being the coolest corporate world ever! It kind of made me want to apply just so I could hang out with all these creative people! Parties aside, any business that has aspen trees as their decor and let's your dog hang out with you all day is AWESOME.

Middle Tennessee Mini-Sessions

Middle Tennessee Mini-Sessions will be October 24th!

This is a quick and perfect way to get gift prints for the holidays and custom Christmas cards to send to your friends and family!

Mini-Sessions are $300 and include:
A 20 minute session at a set location (Franklin/Nashville area)
6-8 proofed images and an online viewing gallery
5 table top or gift prints of your choice
25 custom holiday cards
(no additional purchase required)

Sessions will start at 4:00. Only 5 spaces available.

Brand New

My first Nashville shoot was for my best friend's niece, and she was the teeniest, sweetest little baby girl ever! I promise, I'm not being biased. She just curled up into a tiny ball and had sweet baby dreams through her whole shoot. Not a bad initiation into the South!

Meanwhile, we've been getting settled. We're slowly starting to find our favorite spots. We've been relentlessly searching for a house, and I've made the executive decision to decorate the rental in hopes of it helping us find our house sooner. Isn't that how things work? So, if you have a cute house in Franklin with a big yard, I highly encourage you to sell it to me!

Tomorrow we'll be up bright and early to run the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Hope to see you there!

It's Time to Get Crackin'

Well, I am back from my "sabbatical," I've had sufficient time to recover from jet lag, and it seems there's nothing left to do but get back to work. And, I did have a friendly reminder in my email last night that my blog is dying a slow, painful death. So, first things first!

I am so enjoying this fall weather, and it's getting me excited about the holidays...especially since I don't even have to travel home this year! However, I'm sure I'll miss the snow and going sledding on Christmas Eve. Sniff. But who knows, Tennessee just might get a few flakes this year! I'll be posting the new holiday cards soon! So, if you're not a procrastinator like me and you actually plan ahead for the holidays, a fall session can make great gifts and cards for you family.

And now it's time for some new pictures! I was filling orders today and came across more pictures from one of my last Boulder shoots that I just love. I'll be scouting out some new spots to shoot around Nashville this week, and then I'll post the Mini Session date. Details to follow...





IF, I fall into the bad blogger role once again, which is likely, and you actually still read this blog after its weeks of silence, then I give you full rein to send me harassing emails and leave nasty comments about my slacking! :)

Out with the Old and In with the New!

Abby Gray Photography's phone number has changed to 615-438-4261! Please note that the old number will no longer be active as of Thursday. Just two more shoots to go in Boulder before it's time to pack up shop, and one of my clients still needs to be born! Come on baby, you'll like it out here...it's time to make your debut into the world!

Nashville Bound

For the last three weeks I have been moping around my psychotically clean house, cringing at the sound of Jessie packing and consistently reminding him of all the reasons why it is completely asinine to leave Boulder. Does he not remember how big my hair can get in that kind of humidity? Who will entertain us if we can't sit on Pearl Street and watch all the characters pass by? The dogs will surely hate us when they discover leash laws, not to mention flees. And do you recall seeing the mountains out your window in Nashville, because I don't?!

But for every "con" I throw at him he has a more valid "pro," and so despite my tantrums, we are Nashville bound. Finally tonight, I've begun to wrap my tired brain around the fact that this is not the end of the world, but the path that has been layed out for us by someone much wiser than me. And as things continue to fall into place and opportunities arise, it is becoming more evident that this is not the worst part of a very hard year, but the start of a new season.

So, on that note, I am very excited about once again having air conditioning (it was 89 degrees in my office the other day.) I cannot wait to get some Mexican food (it's way better in Tennessee - I made Jessie leave the first Mexican restaurant I went to in Boulder due to the subpar cheese dip situation - it's true.) And even though I'm sure I'll leave a little bit of my heart in Boulder, a lot more of my heart is there. So bring on the southern accent and frizzy hair, we are coming home! And, I *might* even help pack a box tonight...