I set goals at the beginning of each year and as time passes I revisit those goals for a couple of reasons. One, have I accomplished said goal and can I mark it off of my list? Two, is this a goal that is still in the works and if so, what or who do I need to accomplish it? Three, is this goal still relevant based on the direction of my business or personal life?

With that, let’s take a peek into my goals list to check my progress. I will also share a few new goals that I have set for myself. By putting this out there it forces me to hold myself accountable in making something happen given that it’s God’s will for my life.

Current 2013 Goals:
1) Become a Better Photographer

– Attend a 1-day Overhaul Workshop with Ike&Tash in June.  I learned so much about the business side of photography and how to improve my images.  Additionally, I made some awesome new connections with other area photographers. [Completed]

– Attend a 1-day One-on-One Coaching Session with Katelyn James. With this mentoring session I was able to take a deeper dive into my business and really examine what was working and what wasn’t work.  I also spent time learning how to communicate with my couples as it relates to posing and getting natural shots.  I feel like I am better able to manage client expectations and give my clients better service because of this mentoring session. [Completed]

– Attend the Blink! Conference.  This was an original goal to meet Ike & Tash and learn from them as well as other leaders in the photography industry,but when they announced a workshop so close to me I decided to jump on that opportunity.

– Attend a Katelyn James 2-Day Workshop. Clearly there is a trend with the people that I desire to gain knowledge from!  I hadn’t planned on signing up for this workshop but Katelyn announced more dates in 2013 and on a whim I said to myself “Go for it”.  I learned so much from Katelyn in the short amount of time that we spent together that I was thirsty for more knowledge.  I have a number of 2014 weddings on the books so I felt like my slower months (although it hasn’t been slow at all) were the perfect opportunity to grow and develop even more as a photographer.

2) Work a Bridal Show

– I worked my first Bridal Show in January.  While I feel like I learned a lot, I realized that I want to be more selective in where to spend my resources for Bridal Shows.  Bridal Shows are a lot of work if done correctly, so in 2014 I may choose to work a different type of show once my branding is a little more cohesive. [Completed]

3) Update my Home Office

– I am still working to this slowly but surely.  I have added new canvases to the office, a new desk and book case.  I have a few more sample albums that I want to add to the office before it will feel completed.

4) Get Featured on a Wedding Blog Twice

– Wow!  I have to say that I exceeded this goal and it’s an awesome feeling!  This year alone, I have been featured on Pretty Brass Tacks, United with Love, Capitol Romance, Trendy Bride, Lily and Lace, Every Last Detail, and Savvy Deets Bridal!!!  I have a few more features scheduled for later in the year!  [Completed]

New Goals:

The following are goals that have come to mind and that I will work on going into 2014.  I struggle with putting this out there but I figure if I put it out in the universe I have a better chance of someone seeing this and helping me or holding me accountable.

1) Shoot a Surprise Engagement Session

– I want to hide in the bushes as a loving couple are out and the guy begins to profess his love to his lady.  I want to be the one to capture all of that.  Hopefully, I wouldn’t be too busy crying to capture it!

2) Bridal Magazine

– I have been working on my bridal magazine to give to clients during wedding consults but it’s been a slow process coming up with all of the content.  This is something I will try and get completed during my down time over the holidays.

3) Complete a Small Rebranding

– I have been making a few changes here and there based on feedback during my mentoring sessions.  I am working to define a more complete and cohesive brand so that potential clients truly understand the type of photographer that I am and the services that I offer simply by viewing my online presence.

So, there you have it.  I have written down some of the things that I have done and other things that I am working on and I will keep the blog updated with my progress.  Take care!

Terri Baskin is a Virginia-based wedding and lifestyle photographer. Terri is passionate about her work and has shot weddings in Virginia, Washington, DC, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia and St. Lucia! Her work has been featured on various wedding blogs such as Capitol Romance, United with Love, Every Last Detail and Pretty Brass Tacks. To book her for your engagement or lifestyle session or your wedding, please contact us today!