Hi, I'm so happy you are here!
I’ve been around long enough to know that fresh starts might be a little bit intimidating at first, but once you get into them, they’re absolutely life-changing. So, let me be real with you. If you’ve ever thought, “It’s too late for me to start something new,” or “I’m too old to create a new life,” I’m here to tell you—you’re never too old to follow your heart or make big changes in your life. Trust me, I’ve had my share of pivots, and they’ve always led to something exciting.Let’s take a little trip down memory lane, shall we? When I first started my photography journey I used my family as my practice. I thought I would likely end up shooting family portraits. I discovered Boudoir and how rewarding that was and thought that should be my focus. Then I started dabbling in portraits and weddings as I met more artists and friends in the industry and they introduced me to new things.Then came the realization that I was dying to incorporate my theatre background and do something different. I didn't want to just do what everyone else was doing and I realized I wanted to slow down, focus on storytelling, and take my photography to a more creative place. It was like learning a new language—challenging at first, but oh so rewarding.Now, here I am in my 50s, still shooting, still learning, still embracing change. I may have more laugh lines,but my passion is stronger than ever. If anything, I’ve gained more clarity about what I want from my work—and from life. In the photo you see here I am wearing my wedding rings. It was the summer of 2023 and I was diving into new education to be a life coach. I was creating a new branch of my brand. My brand is me and I can include so many parts of who I am! That summer of self discovery and growth ultimately led to me being so very real with myself and realizing that it was time to leave my 27 year marriage. Most everything got put on hold as I dealt with the loss of that relationship and the continued growth and healing I had to do. The exciting part of that is knowing that I have made it through big changes before and although this was perhaps the biggest and most dramatic I knew I could do it again!
1. It's All About the Shift
You know, we live in a world that constantly screams at us to stay relevant. Stay on top of trends. Stay busy. But here’s the thing: You don’t have to stay in any box. No one says you have to live in a specific way just because that’s what you’ve always done. So go ahead—let the shift happen.For me, that meant starting fresh in my 50s. Figuring out what my new priorities were and where I wanted my focus to be. Most importantly doing the things that bring me the greatest joy! Yes, I love photography but I also love what my other career had brought me; the ability to lead and influence. It's what brought me to coaching. The two worlds work so well together. I've seen first hand that how I work as a photographer leaves my clients feeling confident and empowered. I love sharing what I’ve learned over the years, and I realized that doing something new doesn’t mean abandoning what you’ve done before—it just adds to the mix.
2. Failure?
Ha! It’s Just Feedback. Listen, I’ve had my fair share of “oh no” moments. The camera didn’t work, the lens was blurry, an entire memory card was corupt for a wedding once (yes, a quarter of their photos lost!)—but guess what? Failure is just a detour, not a dead-end. It’s a lesson, a stepping stone, a part of the process.So if you mess up, don’t throw in the towel. You might just need to pick it back up and throw the towel at someone else who needs it more than you. (Just kidding… or am I?) Every failed shot, every misunderstood moment, every misstep in your creative journey is part of what gets you to the next step. I try to not to think of anything as a true failure. Just lessons, including my marriage. How could something that gave me two amazing daughters and brought me to this point in my life be a failure? I am taking all the lessons and creating something new. And you know what? That’s totally okay.
3. Find Your Tribe
I can’t tell you how important it is to surround yourself with people who lift you up. Life can get complicated, and the path isn’t always smooth. But when you have a solid group of friends, mentors, or colleagues who encourage you, magic happens.I found some of my best collaborations, ideas, and moments of inspiration from other photographers and creatives who had different backgrounds, skill sets, and perspectives. I've connected with other women that have had to start fresh after a divorce. I've spoken to other coaches just as passionate about helping others find their voice. There’s nothing like sharing ideas with people who inspire you, challenge you, and celebrate your wins.
4. You’re Never Too Old for a New Dream
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard someone say, “I wish I’d followed my dream earlier, but now it’s too late.” It’s NEVER too late! You can always reinvent yourself. Whether you’re 30, 50, or 80—creative pursuits have no age limit. Big life changes have no limit. Pick up that paintbrush, grab that camera, start a blog, find a new love,or move across the world.The world is full of possibilities, and no one gets to tell you when your time is up.Remember, life fulfillment is all about finding joy in what you do, no matter how old you are or what your resume says. Your path is unique, and there’s beauty in every twist and turn along the way.
5. Take Care of Your Spirit
And one last thing, which I can’t emphasize enough: Taking care of your spirit is just as important as taking care of your career or craft. As a photographer, my life revolves around capturing moments. But sometimes, the best moments come when I step away from my camera and take time to recharge.Self-care is key—whether that means reading, taking a walk, hanging out with friends, or simply sitting in silence with a cup of tea. It’s vital to nurture the creator within you, so you can continue making magic in the world.So, if you’ve been thinking about that big change, that creative shift, or a new venture, go for it. I’m cheering you on. You’ve got so much potential waiting to be unleashed, and the world needs your creativity and spirit.Fresh starts are waiting for all of us—no matter how many years we’ve been around. Keep chasing that spark and trust that every new chapter brings more than you could ever imagine.Let’s make today the first day of our next big thing. Grab that camera, paint that canvas, write that story, or whatever it is that lights you up. The best is yet to come.
Until next time,Your Fellow Creative Wanderer, Camera in Hand