I remember it like it was yesterday.  My heart was beating fast, and my palms were so sweaty that it was hard to hold my clarinet. My knee had a steady nervous bounce to it.  It was the first time I was the teacher instead of the one being taught…after growing up in 2 loving homes with a mom, dad, and step-mom as teachers, it was a natural step for me, and one I wanted desperately. Regardless, I was SO scared during that first clarinet lesson I ever taught.  But even more than the sweaty palms and nervous knee, I remember the feeling of pride and joy when that sweet new clarinet player accomplished what he wanted to do that day- because he took the initiative to learn and practice, and I was there to guide him through it.  I was hooked. I taught High School Choir for 8 years after college, and I was one of the lucky ones who could truly say that I loved my job (and my first job, for that matter!).

But after becoming a mama, it was clear to us that it didn’t work with the family lifestyle we wanted- which was a lot of flexibility to spend as much time with our kids as we could. So I picked up a camera, fell in love, and dove in head first to a career that allowed me to work and be at home during those so important days- but I knew I would always be a teacher.  That rush and excitement over helping someone solve a problem and learn to do better will never leave me. So about a year ago, I began teaching other photographers, small business owners, and mamas how to use their cameras better, run their businesses more efficiently, and have less work and more life.  It is quickly becoming a large part of my business and I love it!  But living in the country of central Illinois gives a little limit to my in person reach at this point, so with dreams of being able to teach more people than I have access to here, I have started a new portion of my business that can allow me to teach you too, whether you are near or far!

Who am I teaching? Everyone!  That was my philosophy in my choir classroom, and it carries into my business now too. My passion for teaching photographers how to serve and love their clients better equals my passion for moms to learn how to photograph their everyday in a way that can help tell their kids their family story as they get older.  Teaching moms isn’t something everyone in this industry loves– but as a mother who’s love for photography blossomed because I was a mom, it is such a big part of my heart for photography education.

So…I am beginning a JGP newsletter that launches in just a couple of weeks! I am thrilled about having a place besides the blog and social media to connect with you- but I also know that a lot of junk comes to our inboxes that we don’t need or appreciate. This newsletter will be tailored to you- whether you are a photographer, or a mom/dad/grandparent/etc wanting to capture your kids better, a past client wanting to stay connected, or a bride planning her day looking for extra help.  I want to provide you with some fun and free resources, share some behind-the-scenes of our business and life, and highlight some blog posts you might not see with the way social media works now.  But the purpose of the newsletter is to bring you joy, education, encouragement, and community.  A place for us to connect outside of here.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?
Free educational content and downloads so you don’t always have to have a date with google!

Occasional sneak peeks at latest sessions and what the blog will hold for the week

Encouragement from someone who is cheering you on in whatever your journey is!

Exclusive first looks and signups for exciting educational opportunities that are in the works!

You’ll hear from me every 2-4 weeks

In my music classroom, there were these moments where it was clear that every student (in some classes, all 50 of them!) experienced something magical together in the song they were singing.  A perfect chord, a moment so beautiful and expressive that it shot straight to the hearts of each of us.  It wasn’t every day (or every week even), but it reminded us that we were connected together beyond that room, and all a part of something bigger.  That we were in each other’s corners, and all working together to make the world just a little more lovely.  If that sounds like a song you might want to sing, my friends, please sign up below! Your first free educational resource is moments away!