Summer is almost here, and honestly, I have no idea how we got here so quickly.
It feels like spring just started, yet somehow the stores are already putting out holiday decorations. Every time I walk into Hobby Lobby lately, I'm reminded that apparently Christmas planning starts before summer even arrives! Meanwhile, I'm still trying to soak up the longer days, warmer weather, and everything that comes with this season.
A New Adventure: Substitute Teaching After Completing My Degree
One of the biggest changes in my life this year has been completing my teaching degree and stepping into substitute teaching.
Working in the schools has been such a rewarding experience. Every day is a little different, and I genuinely enjoy getting to work with students throughout the district.
One unexpected highlight has been running into some of my photography clients' children while I'm at work. Walking into a new school where nobody knows you can be a little nerve-wracking, especially in the beginning. Seeing a familiar face in the hallway, no matter how young, instantly puts me at ease. It always makes me smile when a child I've photographed recognizes me outside of the studio.
As a newborn and family photographer, I spend so much time capturing milestones for families. Getting to see those same children thriving in school has been a special bonus.
Summer Projects and Finding Time for Creativity
Outside of photography and teaching, I've been trying to find the motivation to finish painting my house before our rainy Washington weather eventually returns.
Every year I tell myself I'll tackle all the house projects during the nice weather, and every year it feels like summer flies by before I can cross everything off my list.
When I'm not working on the house, I've been spending some of my free time creating custom cake toppers. It's been a fun creative outlet that lets me make something completely different from what I do behind the camera. I love designing personalized pieces that help families celebrate birthdays and special milestones.
Will I Get My Teaching License?
I've had several people ask if I plan to pursue my teaching license now that I've completed my degree.
The honest answer is that I'm not sure.
I truly enjoy substitute teaching and being in the schools, but I don't necessarily feel called to have a classroom of my own. Homeschooling my children is still where my heart is. Being involved in their education and learning alongside them has been one of the greatest blessings for our family.
For now, I'm enjoying the flexibility of both worlds.
Summer Photography Sessions Are Here
One thing I love about summer is that my schedule opens up quite a bit once school is out.
I currently have availability for two weekend newborn photography sessions in July, and I also have weekday openings throughout the summer months.
If you've been waiting to book your baby's newborn session, now is a great time to reach out before those remaining dates are filled.
Now Is the Perfect Time for Senior Pictures
Summer is also one of my favorite seasons for senior photography.
The flowers are blooming, parks are green, and the longer evenings provide beautiful golden light for portraits.
If you're looking for senior pictures in Puyallup, Tacoma, Bonney Lake, Sumner, or the surrounding Pierce County area, now is the perfect time to schedule your session.
Waiting until fall often means competing with school schedules, sports, and yearbook deadlines. Summer offers more flexibility and some of the most beautiful scenery of the year.
Looking Forward to Summer
As we head into the summer months, I'm looking forward to balancing photography sessions, substitute teaching, homeschool planning, creative projects, and hopefully finishing that house painting project.
I hope your summer is filled with sunshine, family memories, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the season.
And if you happen to walk into Hobby Lobby and see Christmas decorations already on display, just know you're not the only one wondering how that happened so fast.