Having an "Attitude of gratitude"

Last weekend I spent some time tuning in to Sue Bryce‘s Glamour Photography workshop on CreativeLive, a free, 3 day long full workshop broadcast live to the entire world. One week later, I sit here, grateful that not only are these kinds of workshops free but that I live in the digital age and can actually tune in to watch them. I can remember when I was a kid my Mother allowing us out to play and telling us to be home when the street lights came on. We didn’t have mobile phones, and she didn’t always know where we were. Now, I couldn’t go a day without my iPhone and I honestly think I would be worried sick if my future children were un-contactable whilst they were out playing. But this is the kind of world we live in, now… and I am honestly so thankful.
When Australian Portrait Photographer of the Year, Sue Bryce spoke of having an “Attitude of gratitude”, it struck an immediate chord with me because I have felt this way for such a long time. I am a pretty emotional person, and I am pretty vocal with expressing those emotions in my every day life that I see no reason why I shouldn’t do the same here, with my business.
It hasn’t always been easy. Moving to a new country, learning a new language, making new friends, starting a business… but it certainly has been fun. When I started my first official season in wedding photography here in Sweden I had no way of knowing that I would not only reach the goal I’d set for myself, but that I would surpass it. I made some massive mistakes along the way and I made some decisions that were perfect, but I learnt from all of it and now, moving into my second season, I can reflect on how amazing 2011 was for me and my wedding photography business.
I now have, written on a post-it note, stuck to my iMac, that quote Sue Bryce mentioned so that I can see it whenever I work and so it reminds me to keep hold of that “Attitude of gratitude”, for I believe that as artists, the moment we become complacent in our work… is actually the moment we should quit being artists.
So, I would like to take this moment to thank each and every bridal couple I’ve had the privilege to work with in 2011 and all the people that helped along the way. You know who you are. Sincerely. Thank you. To celebrate, here are my favourite moments from my weddings from 2011. Enjoy.