2016: Wonderful

I'm so excited to be back to blogging. I spent all of 2014 gearing up for Whit & Love and unfortunately so many things kept me away from this space last year. And that's OK. I think it was supposed to be just like this. 

So, what's up with me for 2016? That's something I can answer with confidence: I don't really know. I know what I want to see for myself and things I want to accomplish, but I'm not going to spend this year planning every intricate detail of my life. I've tried that for more than a decade and I always end up disappointed in myself. 

This year, my task is simple. Let go. Yes, I have goals and I'll be working toward those right here with you all, but mostly I just cannot do what I've always done. I can't sit and make sure every calendar day is filled and every hour is consumed with plans. Where is the room for wonder? Where is the space for adventure in doing that?  

I'm super proud of myself for coming to this realization late in 2015 (i.e. December 31). 

And as I'm opening myself up for wonder, I am also making the most of the relationships in my life. If I'm honest with myself, I'm not a good friend. ::total transparency:: In fact, I'm probably a bad friend. I never call people, I typically don't want to hang out much and I just don't make my relationships a huge priority. So, as I open myself up to wonder, I am also opening myself up to the people in my life and allowing them a space in my world. There aren't enough movies on Netflix or books to read that can top good old fashioned good times with the people you love. I'll talk more about intentional relationships later this month. :-) 

I hope this year is wonderful and full of wonder. I hope that all the traveling I've dreamed of will occur and that all the love I've hoped for will find its way to me.  Actually, I am certain that it will. 

I cannot wait to be more present here, as well. 

Stay with me. 

Always in love, 

My [Former] Life as a Photographer

I probably get close to five calls per week from people asking about photography. And every time I have to remind them that I don't shoot anymore, I feel a little bit of guilt. I stopped shooting last spring and officially closed my business on it's 4th birthday in September. Yet, there are still moments that I feel like I did the wrong thing. 

I'm sure you're asking "But why did you stop shooting?" and "Why did you close your business?"

The simple answer: I didn't enjoy it anymore. 

My brother and sis-in-law on baby #2. New baby coming in 30 days! 

The not-so-simple answer below: 

I've wanted to be a photographer for as long as I can remember. In the 5th grade I was given the school's disposable camera and told to take photos of my classmates for the school newsletter of which I was also the "editor". I took that job seriously. By the end of the week I still had four pictures left on the roll and had decided to leave those for individual shots of myself and the other "writers". What kind of kid was I? Neurotic. 

Fast forward to high school and once again I was asked to become one of the photographers for my school. This time, it was for the yearbook of which I was Co-Editor. Same as before I took that job way too seriously; I even coaxed my parents into buying me a Canon SLR for my 16th birthday. I was hooked, but never considered it more than a hobby.

It wasn't until I'd graduated from Howard with a degree in broadcast journalism that I realized I had a real passion for both photography and film — one of the two things I should have majored in. 

So, with a degree in my hand and the looming start of law school before me, I made the choice to do the thing I loved. I canceled my law school plans, moved back to the "great" state of Alabama and used the money from a summer job to buy everything I needed to start a photography business. My parents, ever supportive, encouraged me every step of the way. 

I was happy. And within one month of starting my business I had booked two weddings. 

One of my all time favorite couples and friends.

Now, I'm sure you're thinking this is no indication of how things ended, but I need you to know how much I loved photography. 

Fast forward three years and there I was sitting at my computer working on budgets and returning emails thinking I hate this. People were booking me, but canceling the same day even though they knew they wouldn't get their deposit back. Others were showing up at their shoots, seeing their preview sites and raving about how much they loved the photos, but never purchasing a single one. Or worse, taking screenshots and posting those. Still, the best group were those who just wanted me to post their wedding photos on Facebook (and tag them, of course) in hopes that it would lessen the cost. 

It just didn't make sense. People said they loved my images, but told me that I charged too much? Don't you pay for things that you love?  I wouldn't budge on my prices. Sue Bryce, Sarah Petty and Amanda Holloway had all told me in one way or another that I shouldn't charge less than I deserve. Plus, they all lived in small towns, too. What was wrong with me?

I wanted to quit right then, but I read a few Sarah Petty blogs and watched a few Sue Bryce classes on Creative Live and decided to forge on. 

Then the BIG ONE happened; the moment that I knew this was becoming too much. Another local photographer started messaging people on Facebook who would comment on my photos asking about pricing, sessions, etc. and telling them pretty bad lies about myself and my business. I cancelled on people, didn't show up for sessions and never gave people back their money. None of these things ever  happened, but when you live in Small Town, USA reputation trumps facts any day. 

I had no clue this was happening, but I did notice that people who had reached out said nothing when I sent them my beautifully designed welcome guide and pricing menu. It wasn't until a friend of mine and a local business owner both had an encounter with one of these couples that I found out. I was exhausted and tired of it all. 

Gorgeous little model and actress who is headlining a bullying campaign now!

I decided to do one more round of senior session as a last effort to redeem my business. I even lowered my prices for the first time ever. This ended in a mom dropping her daughter off at the location and never returning because she didn't have the money to pay me the remainder of her balance, which usually meant that I wouldn't shoot. Yet, how do you look at a kid whose parent just drove off and tell them we're going to just stand here until she returns with my money? I shot that session. It took six months and another mutual friend intervening for me to even hear from this lady again. I really just wanted her daughter to have those pictures. I had already written it off at this point, so I declined her offer to pay. My business was closed. 

Local MUA and one of my cousins who is doing AMAZING things. 

Today: 

I miss shooting. I miss branding. I miss watching Creative Live like a crazy lady so that I can get better at my craft. But I think I made the right decision. And all's not lost. I still get to shoot thanks to my brother and sister-in-laws ever growing family and my little church sisters forcing me to shoot their weddings this year. So, for now, that will have to do.

And honestly, I think it all worked out for the best. I have great new projects that I'm working on and I'm really very grateful for all of my former clients. Good, not so good and everything in-between.

Have you ever had to quit something you loved a lot? Was it worth it? Do you regret it?

Always in love, 

Whit

Whit & Life Happens

I'm sure you've all been wondering where I've been. *Note that was sarcasm. But just in case a few people read this, I figured I should explain myself.

I like lists, so here's my "Why I Haven't Blogged in Months" List: 

1. Someone accused me of stealing whit&love from them although I have the domain and all social handles. Thus I had to go through a lot to make sure no one would try this again. Unfortunately, it meant that I needed to take a break until it was all resolved. 

2. I'm a horrible human and have not been taking great care of myself and found myself pretty sick the last few weeks. Quick visit to the doctor revealed that my iron was extremely low. A few days of supplements and I feel better than I have in a very long time. Go to the doctor, folks. It works! 

3. I just haven't felt like blogging. With all that's going on in the world, I felt like I should be using my powers to aid in those issues instead of writing about my favorite mascara (not to diss those who blog about those things). I'm an activist at heart and sometimes I have to make the causes I believe in a priority. Recently, that's been my focus and I wasn't sure if my blog was he place to share that side of me (yet). But I will. 

So am I ready to come back to blogging full throttle? Nah. But I am back.

always in love,

Whitney 

The List: Little Joys from the Weekend

Let's just say three day weekends are perfect, but four day weekends are straight from heaven. Trust me. And that idea alone could have been the extent of this week's list, but there were more little joys along the way. And since that doesn't happen frequently, I figured I should document it for the next time I decide to complain. I hope your Memorial Day weekend was wonderful and full of purpose as well. 

1. The #BeyonceAlwaysonBeat hashtag. (No explanation needed)

2. Performing at the most beautiful venue on Saturday night with my brother and sister-in-law

If you live in or near Albertville,  AL you MUST check out Sebastien's on Main! 

3. Finally figuring out what Master's degree I want to pursue. (This has taken me 4 years)

4. Crying WITH a CNN anchor who was really touched by a story about Memorial Day and the children who go to visit their loved ones at Arlington National Cemetery.

That's really what the day is all about, folks. I hope we all remembered the sacrifices that were made.

5. And yes, waking up on Monday and remembering that I didn't have to go to work.

Now I'm off to work a 10 hour day! Yay.


Always in Love,

Style: Hey Mama!

Since it was Mother's Day I decided to get a bit dressed up for church (read: my mother may have suggested that I dress up more than usual even though I dress up all the time). I snagged this skirt a few months a go and found a shirt that matched it perfectly over the weekend. I think I did pretty well considering everyone thought this was a dress. Also, no one thought I was a kid today. In fact, someone thought I was the mother of a teenager! YAY! I'm always trying not to look 17 so this was positive for me. 

Anyway, I hope all of you mamas out there enjoyed your day and I hope all you kiddos treated your moms like the Queens they are. I sure did! 

Crotchet Top - TJ Maxx | Crotchet Skirt - Cato | Shoes - Carlos Santana (old) | Bracelet - TJ Maxx (similar) | Glasses - Random Mall Cart (similar)  | Earrings - H&M | Lippie - Aria by Nyx 

For the Modern Graduate

You'll never know I don't like a gift. That is until you never see me wear, use or display said gift. When you're graduating from college, you really want things that are practical, that can help you in the next stage of your life or that will motivate you. It's that simple. Sorry Grandma, that means no socks. 

So, when money seems a little too impersonal (although money is NEVER a bad idea) and an all expense paid trip to some place exotic just isn't happening, think about what every modern twenty-something wants. Have no clue? Check out our gift guide below for a little inspiration! 

1.Canon Powershot SX610 HS | 2. HBCU Grad T-shirt  | 3. Customized Luggage Tags 

| 4. Friendly Headphones | 5. Electric Wine Bottle Opener | 6. Kate Spade Passport Wallet 

| 7. Rockland Expandable Luggage  | 8. Mophie Phone Case  | 9. Decorative Pillows  

| 10. iHome Mini Speaker | 11. MyTaughtYou Excellent Mug 

| 12. Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In for Graduates | 13. Apple Watch Sport

Skills for the Road

No matter what you're getting your degree in, there are some basic skills that you cannot leave college without. This is especially true if you're graduating and do not have a job or post-graduate study lined up. Job searching or applying for a graduate/professional program can be stressful if you feel like you do not have the qualifications.

Check out some of the skills below and see if you have mastered them. If not, take some time to do it. You'll be glad you did.

Crafting an Outstanding Resume 

Do you know how many resumes are seen by employers everyday? Me either, but I can only imagine.  These days people are applying for jobs like crazy whether they are qualified for them or not because they need to work. The best way to stand out amongst that many people is to have a killer resume. 

Many companies still prefer those black and white resumes, but you now have a little freedom to add some color; usually just one. Most importantly, focus on the content. The top to bottom rule is still golden. So, put all of your most relevant info at the top. 

Buy template here

Buy template here

Get some digital skills

Whether it's website design, coding or basic video or photo editing, having these skills on your resume makes you look for appealing. One of my first jobs at the college where I work now was in public relations. My degree is in broadcast journalism, which isn't exactly public relations. Yet, I had photo and video editing skills and proven social media experience. Where I lacked in experience (i.e. writing press releases), I made up for in other skills that the office definitely needed. Even if you're planning to work at a financial institution, having the ability to run social media for a company or perform some basic coding work can really be an asset. 

And there are resources all around you. I'm currently learning how to code through the website Codecademy. I learned everything I know about photography through Creative Live. And I'm currently looking into some classes on iTunesU to learn some basic graphic design skills. Keep learning. You will need more skills than those within your degree. Trust me! 

Branding Yourself

No, you don't have to be starting or running a business to care about branding. The most important brand in your life is yourself. I know, you hate the word brand and you don't want to consider yourself a brand, but the truth is to employers and even grad schools you are a brand. 

When you apply, they are searching for you on Google. They are looking at your social media. So, you have to be sure that what they find is what you want them to see. Be smart and intentional. Create an online presence that makes someone want to hire you or at least meet you. It's not guaranteed, but getting serious about your personal brand can't hurt you. 

What skills do you think you need for you post grad life? Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @whitandlove! 

Always in love,