Now that the holidays are over and the weather is cold, outdoor photographers everywhere unite in being happy to curl up under a blanket, nursing sore backs and feet, and breathing a sigh of relief for making it through the crazy holiday rush.  For me, it's also looking around at all the photography things tucked into every spare corner of the house wondering what we are going to do with it all.  My husband wonders the same (oopsie).  Any storage experts out there?  PLEASE call me.  When I say there is glitter everywhere (from Christmas), trust me.  IT'S EVERYWHERE.  We spent countless hours packing and unpacking the truck for each session and many hours on the road back and forth.  So, glitter spilling into almost every facet of our life was bound to happen.  We would brush each other off before walking into church as we noticed the disco ball look we were sporting on our clothes.  Yes, I tried vacuuming the truck out but it was futile people.  So, I just giggled and said "hey, Jesus loves your enthusiasm today".  We also came down to the absolute wire with balancing client sessions and our own family activities for the holidays.  But, I loved every single minute of the mayhem.  I also may (or may not) have bought an entire supply of pain reliever for the sore muscles that always follow this time of year.  So when January comes, we welcome the pace and the chance to recharge a bit.  Christmas was peaceful and fulfilling at our house. 

Now that it's cold, everyone is rebounding from all the Christmas purchases, and things slow down in general in the photography world - what are we doing with our time? 

1)  Training seminars.  Sounds absolutely exciting!!  Ok, maybe just to me.  Anyone that knows me, knows I'm a giant nerd.  I LOVE learning every detail of how something works and takeaways for making things better.  So, I spend many winter hours attending seminars, webinars, and training classes honing current skills, learning the newest techniques, and trends in the market.  You are paying for a service.  You don't want to pay for the "bear with me, I'm learning as I go" method, right?  It's our JOB to do this so that we provide the best services possible. 

2)  We are planning for the ENTIRE year.  We have our calendar purchased - for the next year - WAY before most normal people.  I get mine as soon as the printers release it and am making copious notes in it.  January is when I focus most on nailing down dates for the whole year and planning accordingly.  We are projecting timelines and dates for seasonal sessions for the year to ensure that you've gotten your pictures back in a timely fashion.  I mean, who wants their Christmas pictures in January?  Didn't think so.  So, we strive to make the most effective use of our time so that your purchase was the best experience we could provide.  Everyone is always very excited to take the pictures and even more excited to see them!  Now hurry up camera lady!!

3)  We evaluate.  As mentioned, I make detailed notes of everything session related throughout the year.  Why?  It helps us assess several things to improve our services for the coming year.  What worked?  What didn't?  What could we have done better?  What should stay exactly the same?  How do we keep glitter off the dog and out of Mitch's hair?  Seriously, call me.  This helps us remember things while "in the moment" so that when we sit down in January to evaluate the coming year, we are not struggling to remember things.  It's our job to improve for you!

4)  We look at product offerings.  We are constantly evaluating our vendors to ensure you are receiving optimum professional level products.  We treat it as though our reputation depends on it.  Because...it does.  We periodically spot order products throughout the year to see what you're seeing when you order products from us.  Since the product is often shipped directly to our client out of convenience and speed of delivery, we often don't get the opportunity to see what you see when you open the box.  So we also order those same things, at various times, to do random reviews of the products you are receiving.  These products are then utilized as demo products we showcase at trade shows or present to customers as samples when taking orders.  Also mostly because you were pretty great looking, and we want to show you off. 

5)  WE COUNT OUR BLESSINGS!  When January comes, it is a time of reflection.  We have so many wonderful clients who bless us by coming into our lives.  We do our absolute best to offer a portion of that blessing right back by providing captured memories.  Our goal is to get to know you on a personal level so that you feel like you're family.  Because to us, YOU ARE.  Everyone that comes to see us is our top priority for the day and will know that from beginning to end of the session process.  You chose us, and we are SO thankful for that. 

As we look forward to 2019, we are so excited at what the future holds for our little dream.  You guys have made Southern Roots what it is today.  And, we are so grateful.  It is truly an honor to be chosen to work with you.  Our mission is to give you a wonderful memory.  Read our story.  You will see why.  Live in the moments as they happen.  God bless you all in 2019!!