2024 Business Recap + Thank You Post

February 1, 2025

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Somehow, it’s already February and I just realized that I haven’t posted my year-end recap from 2024.  Yikes!  Better late than never, I suppose!

If I’m being totally honest and transparent, 2024 was a difficult year for me + my mindset.  Self-doubt, not knowing where I “fit in”, feeling jealousy of other photographers, and not being able to make the connections I’ve been yearning to make… it all took it’s toll on me this year.  After 10 days in Mexico this past June, where I was forced to really sit with my uncertainty and doubt, I made the decision to take on a part-time job as an executive project manager for two interior designers here in Charleston.  At the time, I wasn’t sure if it was the right move for me, but in hindsight, I’m SO glad I took the leap.  Not only do I absolutely LOVE the job and the people I work with in that role, it’s also given me the freedom to raise my prices and hold out for the “right” weddings.  I’m no longer operating from a scarcity mindset and no longer feeling the pressure to book things for a paycheck, which has been a real blessing for my business.  I’m able to say yes to things that excite me and leave space in my calendar for other opportunities that may come down the line – all while helping two other entrepreneurs run and grow their businesses.  It’s a dream scenario and yet another shift that has brought so much to my life.  A total win-win!

Within my business, I refined my editing and shooting styles this year.  I am shooting with less flash and aiming for more true-to-life-colors than ever before.  It’s been a little bit of an adjustment and something I’m still tweaking, as I really do miss my signature pop sometimes.  I’m trying to find a happy medium between the film photography edit and my own vibrant preference.  In terms of shooting, I’m trying to push myself to embrace imperfection and to shoot through moments more than I’ve ever done in the past.  Again, it’s an adjustment after shooting the same way for 12 years – but I’m learning to relax more and be in the moment with my clients, instead of always being 10 steps ahead in my brain.  Very hard for this Type A girl, but I’m trying!!  I’ll continue working on my editing and shooting style throughout 2025, so stay tuned!!

I bought a drone this year and started to incorporate that into my work flow steadily as the year went on.  It’s been a really cool addition to my normal lineup of gear and I can’t wait to keep pushing myself to use it more and more to get more creative with my work.

I had the pleasure of shooting 19 weddings in 2024, along with 2 intimate weddings.  I also second shot + assisted with a TON of amazing photographers this year – and really had a great time doing it!  I second shot/assisted with Rebecca Yale, Christina McNeill, Clay Austin, Lance Nicoll, Justin Brown, and Ashley Spangler – to name a few.  I feel so incredibly lucky to have had such amazing opportunities to work with some of the best in the industry.  It was truly a year of learning + growth for me and my business in 2024.

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I firmly believe you can never stop learning as a photographer and business owner, so every year I try to do at least one educational workshop or retreat.  In January, I attended SESH in San Francisco with Christina McNeill and it was truly an eye-opening, life-changing experience.  I left feeling so invigorated and really had a whole new perspective on things, thanks to Christina.  Incredibly, Christina asked me to second/third shoot with her on a few of her East Coast weddings this summer – and it was an amazing opportunity to watch a true legend work.  I got to third shoot with her at Auberge Wildflower Farms in the Hudson Valley of New York, second shoot with her at a small venue in Vermont, and third shoot with her at The Pool in New York City.  She really pushed me and I am forever grateful for the experience I had, both at SESH and with her afterwards.  She is truly an innovator in this industry and I feel really blessed to have gotten so close with her this year.  Love you, Christina!!

I also had the opportunity to shoot content for Fox Events through my friend Anneliese’s content creation company, Love Being in the Moment.  It was my very first foray into “video” and I absolutely loved it!  I hope to do some more for her into 2025!  I also shot some behind the scenes and detail photos for Gray Harper Florals and Firefly Weddings and Events, as well as branding photos and headshots for Emily Jordan Events and Simply Smitten Beauty Bar.

I had three features in 2024 – Becca + Josh’s William Aiken House wedding was featured on Wedding Chicks in May.  Audra + Rahul’s colorful Indian celebration was featured in print, in the Winter 2024 issue of Charleston Weddings Magazine.  And lastly, Michelle + Craig’s Italy wedding was featured on Destination I Do.  Additionally, a photo from Lynsey + Tyler’s Atlanta wedding was featured on the cover of Catering Foodservice + Events Magazine.  It’s always so cool to see my work in print or online!

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2024 was a slow year for travel.  My spring trip to Spain was cancelled, as was my fall trip to Ireland.  Womp womp.  I did go to Mexico in June, which was great – although I don’t think I’ll ever go to Mexico in the summer again.  It was rainy and super windy as hurricane season got into full swing while I was there.  Despite the heat and rain, I did a lot of reflection on that trip – so I think it was a great trip overall.  But next time I visit, I think I’ll aim for the winter for sure!!

I spent a few days in San Francisco for SESH and had a great time seeing that part of the country.  I also spent a week in New England in August, which was great.  I always love being up there and I got to visit Nantucket, Provincetown, Chatham, Hyannis, and the iconic Ocean House at Watch Hill before heading to the Hudson Valley to shoot with Christina.  It was a great summer getaway filled with planner meetings and summer fun!  I also got to see Seaside, Florida while assisting Rebecca and oh my goodness.  I am in LOVE with the beaches on the Florida panhandle!  The water was SO blue and the sand was SO soft!  It felt like I was in the Caribbean, but I was only in Florida!  I definitely want to go back to vacation there someday!

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I owe a lot of my success to my amazing team.  Even though I am a boutique business, I couldn’t do it without all of the people behind the scenes who help me keep things running smoothly and efficiently – year after year.  My work wife, Sloan, who consistently goes above and beyond for me + my clients.  It’s always reassuring when you’re shooting beside me.  Thank you for everything you do and for being an incredible friend, as well.  To my private editor, Emily, who painstakingly goes over every single image with a fine tooth comb before I deliver images to my clients.  To my CPA, Elmo – who makes sure that all my financials and taxes are taken care of.  To my wonderful contract lawyer, Rebecca, who is always there to answer any legal questions that pop up along the way.  This business is more than just me and I’m so thankful for the wonderful team I have behind me.

And to the 21 fabulous couples who invited me into their lives to document their wedding day… wow.  This year was beyond incredible and I can’t thank you all enough for trusting me with your memories.  It was such a pleasure and an honor to witness your love and capture the day for you and your families.  Truly, I can’t thank you enough.

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With a well-worn passport in hand, and an affinity for a good cocktail, Dana works with fun-loving and kind-hearted clients around the globe. 

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