So here we are at the end of 2010…

It’s been a crazy and life-changing year for me in so many respects, not least that this has been my first full year working entirely for myself as a photographer. It’s been a year of working all day until 2 or 3am most nights, having very few weekends off, feeling surgically attached to my computer and phone, scaling the steepest learning curve I’ve ever come across, wondering whether I’m doing the right thing and not spending nearly enough time with the people I love. I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t been tough and that there haven’t been many moments when I’ve wished for more sleep, more hours in the day, more time to spend with my family and friends, more time to switch off from having to be ‘up’ and smiling all the time, more security, more time to relax, even time to just breathe.

But now I’ve reached the end of this insane first year and have some time to take stock and look back on everything I’ve done over the last 12 months – the people I’ve met, the work I’ve produced, the places I’ve visited, the new things I’ve experienced, the moments and occasions I’ve been part of. And I wonder how I could ever for one second have doubted that I was doing the right thing.

Yes, this year work has been extremely difficult in many ways. But far more than this, it has been packed full of adventure, excitement, hordes of new friends, freedom, travel, variety, unpredictability, fun and the joy of being able to express myself creatively on a daily basis, and for this I am so grateful and so happy. I get to make my own ‘office’ where my network of colleagues have become real friends, people who I admire, trust and love to spend time with, not just people I happen to sit next to, and I get to spend my time learning and throwing myself into new experiences and opportunities almost every day. I’ve got amazing family and friends who have supported me, encouraged me and been understanding when I’ve not been there or when I’ve been distracted or grumpy, thank you all SO much, you don’t know how much you have helped me, you really don’t.

Looking back through this year’s photos to write this blog post really brought home to me how much I love this job and how much it is worth the sacrifices I’ve made, because it reminded me that my job is to be part of the times in life when people are happiest – marrying the one they adore, doing the things they love doing, and romping around with their families and friends. It’s definitely one of my main resolutions next year to try to achieve a bit more balance, to have more free time to laugh and relax with my own family and friends. But I know that I’m really lucky for my job to be the business of love, excitement and joy.

Here is my 2010…

Happy new year everyone, see you on the other side!

Anna

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