What. A. Year.

2021 was an incredibly busy year for my business as families who missed out on photos in 2020 came back in huge numbers. I was so grateful for each and every client, but I entered January of 2022 feeling burned out and exhausted. If I'm being completely honest, I spent the first 5 months of the year trying to talk myself into photographing clients again. I obviously couldn't stay away forever – because I LOVE what I do – so I decided to take it easy in 2022 and try to give myself room to breathe (even in the fall busy season.) This was, without a doubt, the BEST decision that I made for my business and my family this year.

As I sit here in late December, I can happily say that I feel about a million times less stressed out than I did at this time last year. Even more importantly, my family didn't suffer because of my work schedule this year, and that is worth its weight in gold.

On a personal level, 2022 was filled with huge personal losses and (what felt like) never-ending illnesses. In between that, we bought 60 acres with a canyon in southern Colorado, traveled to the Gulf over spring break, and spent some time camping at our home away from home in Westcliffe, among other things. It was a roller coaster of a year, with high highs, and low lows, but there is so much to be thankful for.

I will end this very similarly to last year's post with some much-needed thank you's. I wouldn't still be here celebrating 12 years of LSP without the help of so many:

• Clients (past, present, new, returning): thank you for trusting me with your photos – I appreciate you so much.

• My husband Jason: thank you for continuing to be the unsung hero behind Laura Smith Photography. You have supported me in every way possible since the beginning, and I truly couldn't have done any of this without you.

• My parents: thank you for providing the gorgeous red truck used in my holiday mini-sessions. And for giving me life. Not necessarily in that order.

• The administration, teachers, parents, and students at Waterstone Preschool: thank you for having me back as your school photographer for the 8th year (and counting.)

• Devyn (my massage therapist + gorgeous client): you are almost entirely responsible for my body remaining upright – especially during the busy season, lol. Thank you for being a miracle-worker!

• Friends and followers: thank you for taking the time to read my posts – and if you commented, liked, or shared I am doubly-thankful.

I wish you all a safe and happy New Year, and I hope to see you in 2023. Cheers! 壟

~Laura

PS: No post would be complete without photos, so scroll on for some of my favorite photos from 2022. (Not included below: 138 young children from Waterstone Preschool, but I can assure you that they were adorable, as always!)