My friends, my people!
Hello there! Thank you for checking in with me through the hiatus in my business. From last September through the end of this past July, my husband and I were living in Houston, TX, serving as team members with Mission Year. The experience was nothing short of life-changing, and we're really excited to move forward in our lives with renewed purpose and values to continuously strive after living out. I'd love for you to check out our personal blog to read about some more specific experiences we had and things we learned.
After a lot of consideration and prayer, we've landed in Raleigh, NC! The "City of Oaks" made a lot of sense to us for several reasons:
- We were wanting to settle down somewhere more long-term. We want to be committed to a community and really delve into relationships with its people. Houston was great, but it's a little far from our family in Virginia! Raleigh puts us 2-3 hours from each of our immediate families, and we both have extended family in/around Raleigh.
- We wanted to be connected with some like-minded people. There are churches & organizations across the country connected with the CCDA (including Mission Year and our church in Houston), and Raleigh is home to several of those organizations we hope to get connected with.
- It's a big (-ish) city! We've grown a little tired of suburban life & are excited for the uniqueness, diversity, and excitement that continuing to live in a city will offer.
Okay, self-reminder that this is my photography blog... thanks for bearing with me. :) So what does this mean for Kelly Hudgins Photography?!
I did a lot of dreaming during my time in Houston about what I want my photography business to look like. I'm reimagining it, putting names to some values and trying to figure out what things may look like logistically. Here are some snapshots of my thoughts:
- Beautiful, quality photography for everyone - value in serving people who may not typically have the means to afford professional photography
- Emphasis on moving people to recognize and honor their inherent value & worth - you are beautiful and loved because you are beautiful and loved. Not because of what you own or what you wear or how you look or what you do, but because you are a BELOVED child of God.
- (A sub-point because it's related...) Natural beauty & simplicity - there may be some hair & makeup prep, or there may not. Emphasis on being content and confident just as you are, a challenge to embrace imperfections as part of what makes you beautiful. We don't need a lot of bells & whistles to represent your wonderful self and create beautiful artwork together.
- Community - promoting community across dividing lines and using my services & products to foster communication and connections within families and existing communities. We're created to be interdependent.
What does all of that look like when it comes together? Great question... I'm working on it ;)
My goal is to get things back into swing early spring 2017. Fall & winter 2016 will be used to continue dreaming, planning, and making all of this become a reality.
What can you do to help me? Thanks for asking! -- Keep in touch - I'd love to hear your feedback on my thoughts included in this post and in future posts. Check back here, on Facebook, & on Instagram to stay connected.
Here are some photos from my time here in Raleigh so far!
The Raleigh skyline <3
Delicious gelato at Sugarland
The African American Cultural Festival
Upper-right: My husband Andrew & our friend/roommate Maggie :)
The NC state capitol building
Deco Raleigh - super cute shop with lots of local goods
William B. Umstead State Park
THANK YOU for sticking with me & checking out the post! Let me know any feedback and/or advice you may have as I continue the visioning process for my business & work to make it all become reality. :)
Love to you all!
Kelly
