Nate inquired about a family photo session to surprise Stephanie with some family memories. I *love* photo sessions and memories as gifts. And, a husband surprising his wife with this gift? — even more amazing!

It’s fulfilling enough to deliver beautiful images that tell a story quickly and carefully. It is fulfilling enough to make new friends. And then, in an instant, a few kind words and a few moments of time makes my heart grow ten-fold — a review arrives in my facebook page or in my email. I’d love to share a few of these kindnesses with you now.

According to the National Institute of Health, there are many other common conditions to keep an eye on with people with Down Syndrome. Some of these include a higher chance of blood disorders and leukemia as well as hypothyroidism.

Families come in many different shapes and forms and groupings and I love that no two are the same and I love that part of my job is to tell individual stories that are unique to each family or couple or individual.

Today’s Focus On is a spotlight on Katy Keene, the owner of Keene Lane Co. in Atlantic Beach, FL. Enjoy this peek into her business, her balance and her dreams. Be sure to follow her, cheer her on and stay tuned for more entrepreneur spotlights every two weeks.

There are few “jobs” in this world as difficult — and as rewarding — as being a parent. Life and destiny hand you a small human and an unpredictable 18 to 85 years, God willing, to create a kind person and to lay down the foundation for a future that is full of potential and kindness and joy. That in itself is ridiculously challenging and can be incredibly lonely. Factor in a child with special needs and you can feel absolutely alone. I love the idea of supporting other parents and offering a sense of community for those of us who face battles daily and mostly behind the scenes.

Every year, it’s important to me that I do at least one educational opportunity to help me become an even better photographer and to better take care of my clients. This year, I almost didn’t do any official workshops or classes. And then, in the last quarter, I saw a super-limited opportunity for Skype Mentorships with my #1 photographer inspiration, Amanda Hedgepeth.

Believe me — if I never had to think about pricing or raising my prices, my behind-the-scenes world with Wendy Zook Photography would be SO much easier and happier. It’s not the most enjoyable part of running my business, but it is the essential part to me being able to continue to run my business and pay for expenses.

A neighbor and friend, Sarah, of Empower Fitness & Health, helped me out in so many ways. She guided me with not just workouts created for my needs on an app on my phone but also with nutrition and diet advice that has made healthy eating a super-easy lifestyle choice I don’t even have to think about anymore.

I’ve been so blessed with a beautiful, crazy, busy 2019 in my business and I have zero regrets or complaints about that. I do, however, want to make sure that I’m always keeping my time between all of the things I love — family, hobbies, work — balanced.