I have been planning this post for a while, but for some reason, have had an extremely hard time putting it into writing.  This post where I share about my dreams for JGP, where I say some of the things I am hoping for out loud. When we did our coaching session with the lovely Katelyn James in November (you can read about it here!), she spoke to us about not being afraid to say these things out loud, to share them.  She gave us that very needed permission to share.  What have we got to lose? All this time, and even now, it feels somehow scary. Like if you say it out loud and it doesn’t come true, that means something about your business.  And vulnerable…like others will judge your goals and what they should mean for your business. But I have always believed in sharing how I feel- in sharing dreams and speaking what you hope for out loud…asking God for what you want in life…because if you don’t say it, how could it ever come true? How would anyone who might have access to these goals, or who might be a part in making them happen, be able to be a part of your life if you don’t share? So today I am sharing 7 dreams for JGP. Big dreams, scary dreams, dreams some of which will likely take a lot longer than 2016 to accomplish.

1). The first dream on my list is about photographer mentoring, or coaching, which I just began offering (read about it here!). I have been dreaming about teaching other photographers for a while, because of my history with teaching, and I am so excited for this mentoring to get off the ground. I would love to teach 15 photographers this year more about their cameras, there posing, and most importantly, their love of capturing the stories around them.  I am on my way to that number and cannot wait for my first few sessions of 2016- and am so anxious to expand this part of my heart and business.  Contact me at jill@jillgumphotography.com for details if interested!

2). This is a quick one…if you are reading this on your phone, you may have noticed my mobile website is less than impressive (and please, visit my website by computer some day- it is SO much nicer!!).  The website theme I use (Prophoto) has SO many benefits, but a really bad mobile situation is one of the major drawbacks. They are, however, in the middle of a MAJOR revamp with their new upgrade coming out, which will allow all sites to be responsive- meaning that they will change to adjust to different screen sizes WITHOUT losing all of the great content, like mine does now!  Can’t wait to fix this!

3). I want to photograph 20 JGP weddings in 2016. That is just a couple more than we did in 2015, but a pretty lofty goal while staying home with 2 babies!  We are really close to that number, and thrilled for that- and want to get there! Do you have a newly engaged friend?? Have them contact me! 🙂

4).This is a big one. And a scary one. Because it isn’t what most photographers say in this area exactly. I want to host a workshop. This year, and soon. And instead of for photographers (which I do want to do eventually- 2017?!), I want it to be for moms.  Moms with their cameras, who are just wanting to capture little toes and feet and smiles and curls, or homecomings and proms and concerts, better. In a way that really allows them to see what they feel in the moments.  In a way that takes them from where they are to somewhere much better with steps that they can start that day, not things that take months to master and learn before seeing a change.  Moms- this is coming, and soon! If you are interested, let me know now- that might help me determine exactly how soon!

5). Michael and I got married at a winery, and I loved every moment. I want to photograph a winery wedding! There aren’t just a ton of them near we are located, and I think that plays into it, but it is such a strong desire for me!  Wineries hold such special meaning to us in general- and all those rows of vines- sigh!  We got married at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, and that would of course be my first choice- how special!

6). As you may remember if you have been around for a while, I am the Springfield IL Tuesdays Together leader through the Rising Tide Society. I believe so strongly in this mission, and spent much of my teaching career creating this sort of community in my program.  I want the Springfield Tuesday’s Together group to flourish. That doesn’t mean huge numbers to me- we aren’t Chicago or San Francisco, and are never going to have 100s of people at meetings!!  I want a solid group of creative small business owners who yearn for community over competition like I do, and are running their businesses personally and believe in the amazing education that the Rising Tide Society is offering.  Right now, our group is small and mostly photographers- and I have a desire for it to reach other creatives and change this area!  There is already an amazing sweet community of photographers that gets together- but I want it to go further with this group!

7). I want to start submitting my work for publication.  On blogs, first. This one is really scary because I’m pretty sure most people get rejected about 90% of the time, and those are the amazing photographers I follow! So I’m sure it will take a long time to get there. But it is a dream of mine, and 2016 is the year I am going to go for it!

Phew. There it is. Long, many words (maybe one of my personal goals should be to be LESS WORDY!), written in letters for all to see. To help hold me accountable to hustling towards those dreams. Because I believe that dreams, and success at them, is for those who chase. And I want to keep chasing.

What are some of your big goals for the year? Name one that scares you the most, out loud- maybe someone who reads will the push for your goal to come true!

Next week I will be sharing some personal goals for 2016…can’t wait!

*Picture by the fabulous Katelyn James, from the day she gave us permission to dream like this!