June came and went. And Randy was not accepted. This was a big shock, but he was given the opportunity to interview again in August for possibly the October session of applicants. We had another month to wait, only to find out it was another “not yet” answer; he’s still in consideration for January, but there is no guarantee that he will get in. We don’t know what’s going to happen with his career, but I do know that I still feel peace about taking a Tesoro Photography hiatus.

I will be doing some mini sessions this fall, and a handful of other sessions that have already inquired, but really, that’s it. Indefinitely.

That’s right, Tesoro Photography will not be available for sessions beyond those I am booking already, and then the mini sessions I will announce this week.

No, I’m not quitting. Just taking a hiatus. It’s time. Time to spend doing pre-school with my kids. Time to play without the burden of photo shoots to edit on my back. Time to regain some creativity. Doing projects like those I’ve found on Pinterest. Time to clean and organize and purge and pack. Well, maybe not.
If we are still here after January, I think the earliest I foresee re-opening shop would be March.
Yes, it’s scary. I mean, what if all the people who like me to take their pictures find someone else wonderful and never come back? What if we’re here and don’t move and Randy has to find a new career path and we need to use photography to put food on the table? Well, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

I am content trying to rest in knowing that God is in control. I read a very great blog post today by Ann Voskamp that spoke to my soul.

“It could be this way: that I cease seeking to escape pilgrim life, that I embrace the journey, that I not want any different road for my life than the road He winnows.”

And this:

If I only hope when things look hopeful, isn’t my hope cliche, posturing?
I’m only truly hoping when all is hopeless — otherwise it isn’t hope.

My true hope is in Christ. And this life is passing like a vapor. I know I can rest in that wonderful truth. Where we lived,  and how great my photography was —these don’t matter to me like how I treated my children: did I nurture them, spend time with them, love them well? Did I have my priorities straight? Was I a woman who feared the Lord, who rested even when worries swirled about me like a whirlwind?

I don’t know who all of you are. I know I have a lot of followers who I don’t know– (i.e., who are you in New Hampshire?) But, I hope this is not a surprise given my gradual withdrawal over this year. I will be taking more photos for me. For my family. For fun. I may or may not post them here. I am still trying to figure it out.  Nonetheless, I appreciate your following over the last three years.

I will post the mini sessions date and times this week. Please let me know if you are interested in booking.

Blessings to you all.

Mrs. B wanted a family photo before their daughter left to study abroad in France, so we booked a date, and got rained out (Irene)… and then we booked another date, and it was perfect, because daughter M was leaving the very next day!!

I love that this family wore bold colors that really worked well together. I think it suited their personalities perfectly.

And check out their slideshow here:

Isn’t this nursery adorable? I just love whales for a nursery theme. So cute.

And seriously, isn’t mom gorgeous???

Check out their slideshow here:

A couple weeks later, Randy’s cousins emailed me, told me it was in full bloom, and we planned for an evening of beautiful photos. It was wonderful. (Ok, it was roasting hot, and our daughters were less than thrilled at the prospect, but hey, we still got some beautiful shots!!!) Thank you so much, Jamie, Tracey, Addison & Miss Trudy. We had a wonderful time. We love that we were able to make these memories together.

Sometimes, getting your picture taken is scary...

This is hilarious to me. Like something off of SNL...

Sometimes what you get is what you get... this is my girl!

And here’s the slideshow:

Natalie and Clay, I am so happy for you both and wish you a lifetime of love. Thank you for being so amazing to photograph and for having me there with you on your big day.

Natalie’s creative vision gave birth to a wonderful vintage carnival themed reception, complete with carnival type foods, and candied apples, cotton candy, and caramel popcorn for favors!

Shout out to my fabulous second shooter Ray Ferguson for capturing the above shot.

And check out their slideshow here: