2023 Reflections

2023 has been one of the most exciting yet scariest and rewarding years!

Highlights

• January 13, we sold our home in Elk River, Minnesota, and packed up 13 years of memories to move home to our native state of Montana for a new and exciting opportunity. It was a huge decision that I often wondered if I would eventually regret; many tears were shed on selling our home and leaving behind so many wonderful people who became more like family to us than friends, but we were excited to move closer to our family and better hunting.
• February 24, I announced that I would get back into photography, thinking it would feed my passion and be a part-time side hustle. I formed my assumed business name, "Land of Erin Dell," with the State of Montana.
• March 17, I took a massive leap, quitting the paralegal career path that I had for many years to do some self-reflection and commence a dream of forming my own business. At this time, I thought I'd be starting a food truck and photography on the side. 
• March through May, I spent a lot of time with my boys and family, dusted off my camera, and researched and studied other photography techniques and skills.
• June was a month of taking off for the photography; I started receiving a ton of interest and booking up for fall months. On a personal side, we did lots of camping and traveled to Bigfork, Montana, to see family and friends. 
• July 19, we took a family vacation with my mom and stepdad to San Francisco, where I began to reflect on what I wanted for my future career path. 
• August 15, a local photographer contacted me about her retirement and said she had her studio equipment for sale. This was the turning point for Land of Erin Dell. I was at the point where I had to decide whether I wanted to level up to full-time photographer.
• August 17, we traveled back to Elk River, Minnesota, to see our friends and attend my son's yearly doctor's check-up.
• August 29, I decided I was ready to follow my lifelong passion of being a full-time photographer. I changed from an ABN to an LLC with the State of Montana.
• September 7, I received a message from a local business owner stating that she wanted to sell her shop and retire. 
• October 5, after milling over a couple of different locations for the studio, we announced that we had decided to purchase the Hair Connection building. 
• October 13, I joined the Montana Professional Photographers Association. I am excited to invest more time and commitment to this association in 2024.
• Our family did as much hunting as possible in October (between sessions) as we prepared for a busy November and December. 
• November 7, we closed on the studio building, while I was reeling with COVID. It took me a few days to feel well enough to head down to the studio to commence our remodeling projects we had planned; however, from November 11 - November 25, my husband and I (with the help of Terry Wagner along the way) completed a few of the rooms within the building. 
• November 27 was the first non-human session within the studio with my sister's new dog, Murphy, while December 1 was the first official session. 
• December 7, my husband and I traveled to Nashville for the first time with my dad and stepmom.

Reflections

As I sit here reflecting on 2023, I realize I have not once regretted our decision to move back home to Montana. We have now had almost an entire year of much-needed family time spent with our parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc., and we've gotten back to our roots and shown our boys why Montana is one of the best places!

As to my business, Land of Erin Dell, LLC, I set goals that have been excitingly surpassed, and now, as I sit here setting my 2024 goals, I have so many exciting ideas and plans that I cannot wait to put into action from helping others to improving my art. Here are a couple of goals I have planned for 2024 and feel incredibly passionate about:

1. For those who do not already know, I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and enjoy business development, marketing, implementing and improving processes, etc. I am in the process of developing a plan to help other businesses market, advertise, and dive into the virtual world, so please stay tuned for information on this in the coming months; 
2. Complete the kitchen and bathroom within the studio, so we are able to have our official grand opening; and
3. Join the Professional Photographers of America to improve my techniques, skills, and quality, working towards becoming a Certified Professional Photographer.

If you are still reading this, I owe so much thankfulness and gratitude to all the clients who gave me an opportunity to photograph their families. I would not be where I am today without your support; thank you from the bottom of my heart!

May 2024 bring everyone peace, happiness, and well-being. Happy New Year! 

Erin <3