Trust + Change // Wellesley Wedding Photographer

A story…

It was mid-January when I had a pretty monumental day of life. Ha, it sounds so dramatic, but for some reason, right then, I finally took action on something I should have done so long ago. You see, for years I’ve had this thing called a “side job” aka: photography. But I’ve always been too fearful and timid to make it more than a side job. The start up costs! Putting myself out there! Making real life connections! Talking to my husband about our finances! People’s opinions on if it’s a “real job” or not! All of it… All of it scared me. I kept saying “Someday it’ll be real. Someday I’ll make it happen.” But that day in January, honestly, I just got sick of saying “Someday” and wanted to make it “Now”. Call me impatient or call me a risk taker.

So I made this bold decision, and was ecstatic for a few minutes, but immediately started worrying. Worrying if I do things the “right” way or not, if enough people follow my blog, if I’m annoying my Facebook friends with all my posts, or if the blog posts are even worth someone’s time to read. Matthew 6:25 says “Therefor I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” That verse always puts me in my place when it comes to worrying. The rest of the passage is amazing, as well, going on to say that God takes care of flowers so perfectly, so why wouldn’t he take care of his children just as well? Well, he does! And reading that… it gave a huge sense of peace, and most importantly, trust. So the way I ended up choosing to quit one of my part-time jobs was by asking myself this question: Do I really trust God to help me do this? I was so tired of saying that I trusted God, yet still staying at the job for a feeling of security. But God IS my security! So … What will happen when I really trust God to take the reigns? 

And honestly, I’m not sure! But I’m willing (and excited) to take that chance, because photography is something that I love. It’s a desire of my heart if you will, and that’s exactly what Psalm 37 talks about: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” I know that God keeps His promises and as long as I promise to work hard for His glory, then what more can I do?

So without further ado, I give you the ALL NEW Stephanie Rita Photography!! Why the name change, you ask? As pointed out by a friend in the industry, using a name for my business that wasn’t mine let me hide behind that other name. And I don’t want to hide anymore! =) This is me! What you see is what you get:)

Lisa, Steph & I all contributed to this new brand through the form of secret Pinterest boards (best things ever). I am SO thankful for their help and skills and feedback! Design school besties for the win! My handwriting, my favorite fonts & colors and a little hint of my awesome maiden name (Hart) make this brand completely me. I really don’t think there is a better explanation of why we landed on these elements.

Though the logo and website are done, I still have a LOT of work to do on other things. Honestly, I probably created MORE work for myself to do than if I had just kept t.w.a.y. as the name. But it’s worth it! As you can see, the domain name has changed (thisworldaroundyou.com does redirect to here, though. sneaky!) I’m currently in the middle of designing new business cards and other marketing material. I have a lot of social media updating to do, not to mention, I have to start remembering “this world around you” is a thing of the past! Maybe it’s a little sad, but I’ll always remember where I came from.

There are a few NEW things going on here, so take a look around. There’s new pricing… a new “about” and “faves” page… and my most favorite: a new package called “belly to baby” which is a special 3-time session with the mother-to-be. We’ll do a maternity session, a newborn session, and a 6 month old session. I’ve been asked about packages like this and thought it was a great idea. I LOVE little nugget babies, so I’m totally excited about spending as much time as I can taking pictures of them! And of course, the new mom+dad’s of the world will get to remember these important stages of new-parenthood-ness!

NOW! For the good stuff (the other good stuff). TOMORROW (yes, Saturday) I will be posting a huuuuuge opportunity that will tell you how to win a FREE wedding package for your wedding this year. If you just got engaged, get ON THIS! Actually, everyone should subscribe through Google Reader to make sure you get all the updates, because besides the free wedding, there’s anooothherrrr promotional thingy especially for past clients coming soon. Stay connected, peeps!

Most importantly: Thank you all for your continued support and extreme cheer-leading abilities. You make me smile and keep me motivated to continue down this semi-unknown-yet-exciting road my life is taking. =)

Peace!
-Stephanie