I’m so excited to share this photography growth checklist.

It was written from a photography perspective, but honestly it’s something that every entrepreneur should look at.

After seeing this post from a fellow photographer and mentor in California, I was inspired to write my own.

With 2025 in the rear view mirror, it feels like the perfect time to take a look at the business side of things.

I try to make the season after the holidays one of rest and personal development.

Thanks for sharing this space with me, and I hope this post inspires you to create your own photography growth checklist.

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Ultimate Photography Growth Checklist

1. What am I most proud of this year?

Early in 2025 my daughter was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer, and in an instant our world was turned upside down.

I am proud that not only did she come through that with flying colors, but our family did as well.

Business had to take a back seat, but that’s okay.

Looking back at 2025, I am so freaking proud of how we came through.

And – of course – none of it would have been possible without the support of so many wonderful people in our corner.

2. Where did I grow the most as a business owner and a human?

In 2025, I grew the most by learning how to trust myself and let things go – both in business and in life.

My mantra this year has been to be more like Elsa and let it go, and honestly, that mindset changed everything.

This encouraged me to stop trying to control every outcome, chasing validation, or holding onto things that no longer felt aligned.

Instead, I leaned into clearer boundaries, stronger leadership, and more confidence in what I bring to the table.

On a personal level, this year stretched me in ways I didn’t expect.

I learned that letting go doesn’t mean giving up – it means creating space for grace, resilience, and ease.

3. What am I no longer available for as I move into the new year?

As I move into the new year, I’m no longer available for saying yes to every little thing.

I’m done overcommitting out of habit, obligation, or the fear of missing out.

Not every opportunity deserves my time, energy, or attention—and I’m finally okay with that.

I’m choosing no FOMO.

I don’t need to be everywhere, do everything, or say yes just to prove something.

And really – who am I even trying to impress?!

At this stage, I am trusting that what’s meant for me won’t pass me by, and that slowing down and being selective actually creates more ease, clarity, and joy.

4. When did I feel most aligned with the future version of me and the brand I want to build?

I felt most aligned with the brand I want to build when I made the conscious decision to focus on working with women entrepreneurs.

That shift felt like a homecoming, and clarified who I want to serve, why my work matters, and how I want people to feel when they step into my world.

That alignment was especially clear during the Women’s History Month Project.

Photographing so many incredible women, hearing their stories, and helping them feel seen and celebrated on camera reaffirmed everything I’m building toward.

This project wasn’t just about headshots—it was about confidence, visibility, and creating space for women to show up fully as themselves.

In those moments, my values, my creativity, and my purpose all clicked into place, and I knew I was moving in the right direction.

5. When did I slip into old patterns, and what insight did that give me?

With everything that happen with my daughter this year, there was a lot of uncertainty.

I found myself wanting to operate from a place of fear when it came to the business – vs a place of abundance.

This led to half-assing certain aspects of the business, and trying to do all the things (and not doing anything well).

Lesson learned – get laser focused on what is important, and forget about all the rest of it.

To that end, it has prompted me to pare down what is offered going into 2026.

Currently there are 3 ways to work with me:

• Studio Headshots
• Photography Power Hour
• Personal Branding Photoshoot

6. What energized me the most this year?

Honestly, I can’t narrow it down to just one thing, so I’m sharing two!

Getting to be the best hype woman for branding clients and teaching photography classes.

One of the best parts of my job is getting to show entrepreneurs and business owners how freaking fabulous they are through brand photos.

Despite clients feeling like they are not photogenic.

I’ll be honest – after nearly 17 years as a kick-ass photographer, I have yet to meet someone who is truly not photogenic.

Teaching photography classes at The Hermitage Museum has been so rewarding.

I love working with students and helping them get to that “ah-ha” moment when it comes to using their cameras!

7. What drained me, and what needs to be delegated, shifted, or eliminated?

Having unrealistic expectations of myself and my business during this season of life.

I simply wasn’t able to do all the things I wanted to do this year, and that made me feel like I was behind.

Behind my fellow photographers, behind in achieving financial goals, behind in client care…

This led me to say yes to things that weren’t necessarily aligned with my brand.

In 2026, the focus is going to be on only saying yes to things that will move the business forward.

And that’s the most important part – ONLY things that move the business forward.

8. What mattered most this year, and did my actions align?

What mattered most this year was my family, and that truth was reinforced in ways I never could have planned for.

In 2025, I had to step back from my business to prioritize my daughter’s care and the needs of our family.

Doing this helped my priorities became crystal clear.

While slowing down professionally wasn’t easy, my actions aligned with what mattered most.

I showed up when and where I was needed, even when it meant letting go of plans or momentum.

And – news flash – even though I slowed way down in 2025, the business didn’t come crashing down.

Choosing family first was hard, but it was right—and that alignment gave me clarity, perspective, and a deeper sense of purpose moving forward.

9. What standard am I raising for myself moving forward?

Moving into 2026, I am raising my standard around how I protect my time, energy, and attention.

No longer will I be measuring success by how busy I am or how much I can juggle.

Instead, I’m choosing intention, sustainability, and alignment in how I work and live.

This will also include raising the standard for how I value myself – my expertise, my creativity, and the life I’m building.

In the business, this means clearer boundaries, more thoughtful commitments, and trusting that I don’t need to overextend or overprove to be worthy of the opportunities I want.

10. What support do I need next year to elevate with more ease?

The support I need in 2026 to elevate with more ease is help – real, aligned support that takes things off my plate so I can stay in my zone of genius.

Delegating can look different for each business owner, maybe you’re sending out laundry to be cleaned, or outsourcing editing, or signing up for a meal box subscription. There is no right or wrong!

Outsourcing my social media has been such a weight off my shoulders and showed me just how much lighter business can feel when I’m not trying to do everything myself.

Huge shout out to The New Leaf Collective – Ash and her team are amazeballs.

Handing over something that used to drain my energy has given me more space to focus on what I do best: creating, connecting, and showing up fully for my clients and my life.

Moving forward, I’m choosing support that creates ease, not pressure, and allows me to grow without burning myself out.

11. What am I committed to embodying personally and as a visible brand next season?

Personally and as a visible brand, I’m committed to embodying both joy and calm.

I will always bring that fabulous pink Starburst energy – the fun, confidence, and sparkle that make my brand feel vibrant and alive.

Don’t worry, that part of me isn’t going anywhere.

However, as we move into 2026, I am also committed to showing up as a CEO who leads with peace.

I want my presence, my work, and my brand to feel grounding, steady, and reassuring.

Less hustle, less chaos – more clarity, ease, and intention.

The goal isn’t to dim the sparkle, but to pair it with a sense of calm that people can feel the moment they enter my world.

12. What would the next-level version of me do differently—and how can my brand support that?

The next-level version of me makes decisions from a place of confidence, clarity, and self-trust.

She doesn’t rush, over-explain, or second-guess herself. She knows her value, honors her energy, and chooses opportunities that align with her long-term vision – not just what feels urgent or validating in the moment.

She protects her time, sets clear boundaries, and allows ease to be part of her success.

She shows up fully as herself – bold, capable, and unapologetically visible – without shrinking, softening, or dimming her personality to fit someone else’s expectations.

Let’s Make Some Magic: Reflect and Realign for 2026

Look at these questions in order to reconnect to the business owner that you are striving to be.

I challenge you to write your answers, and take the time to come back during 2026 to see how you are doing with your goals!

1. What am I most proud of this year?
2. Where did I grow the most as a business owner and a human?
3. What am I no longer available for as I move into the new year?
4. When did I feel most aligned with the future version of me and the brand I want to build?
5. When did I slip into old patterns, and what insight did that give me?
6. What energized me the most this year?
7. What drained me, and what needs to be delegated, shifted, or eliminated?
8. What mattered most this year, and did my actions align?
9. What standard am I raising for myself moving forward?
10. What support do I need next year to elevate with more ease?
11. What am I committed to embodying personally and as a visible brand next season?
12. What would the next-level version of me do differently — and how can my brand support that?