My Round-up Of 2021: Top Moments & Lessons
What a year! 2021 was both challenging and extremely rewarding for me. Despite the obstacles and uncertainties that we all faced (no doubt brought on by a global pandemic), I was still fortunate enough to do what I love every day - photograph beautiful families in this amazing city.
Here’s my personal round-up of 2021, filled with the highlights and lessons I’ve learned throughout the year.
#1 MY FAVOURITE SHOOT OF 2021
It’s almost impossible to choose a particular shoot (every newborn, mom-to-be, and family I’ve met are so individually special - how could I pick just one!), so I’d have to say my favourite project this year was doing school portraits. I loved meeting so many gorgeous children, and the opportunity to photograph them all in a natural, simple way that allowed their true personalities to shine through was very special.
#2 MY MOST VISITED SPOT IN HONG KONG FOR SHOOTS
Without a doubt, this would have to be the Star Ferry. I did more sessions around the city this year than ever before - sadly, this is also because a lot of the families I worked with were leaving Hong Kong. There’s no better way to say goodbye to the city than with an epic family shoot at all your favourite places, though ;)
#3 TWO LESSONS I LEARNT IN 2021
It wouldn’t have been a proper year of getting through a pandemic without learning a whole lot about myself and my business. Here are the two main takeaways I’m carrying with me into the new year:
That I can actually survive without multiple holidays (LOL). In all seriousness, though, I photographed 256 families this year (crazy!) which left very little time for taking time off. I'm tired, and if this year has taught me one thing, it’s that I definitely need to work on my work/life balance a bit more.
This year I updated my website and branding and it made me realise how important it is to have a strong, cohesive identity and presence for my business. I've never felt more inspired or more aligned with everything my business stands for. It feels so good to have a really clear vision to work with going forward - bring on 2022!
The last holiday we did - January 2020 in Siem Reap, for my birthday.
#4 WHAT I LOVED MOST ABOUT 2021
Gosh, it would have to be every single family and child that I got to meet and have fun with. I really do get so excited for every photo session!
I count myself lucky every time a family chooses me to document their precious memories, and I don't take that honour lightly. It is an absolute privilege.
I go into every session wanting to make each family and child feel special because I always want them to leave my shoots feeling happy and totally in love with each other. When I get feedback on how happy I made them and how much they loved their time with me, it's just the best feeling EVER.
#5 WHAT I’M MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2022
Bye bye, 2021. You were great, but I’m glad you’re over. Here’s what I can’t WAIT to do in 2022:
Hire an assistant so I can take on more shoots (AND so that I have help with all the editing and back end work!)
Move homes! (Eeep!) After seven years in the tiny flat we moved into in, Simon and I (and our little clan, of course) are finally moving to a much bigger home - with gorgeous sea views! I’ll also have enough space for my own home studio, which is very exciting.
So, as I say goodbye to another year, I’m filled with so much gratitude for all my amazing clients. It’s been a pleasure to get to know you, to meet your families, and to capture life’s most precious moments. I hope 2022 is a wonderful year for you, and I really hope we get to work together soon.
If you have any questions or you’d like to work with me in 2022 (yay!), please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
All my love,
Jenna