June wasn’t terribly eventful, for being 2020. I still haven’t gotten the ‘Rona, which I am grateful for. I’m trying a few new things and looking for new ways to up my game business-wise, and keep good content coming. Running a company is tiring. But it is never boring, and never has it been a more worthy endeavor.

IMPACT OF THE ‘RONA
COVID-19 has taken a deep toll on my industry. I have colleagues who have lost tens of thousands of dollars this summer due to rebooked and canceled weddings. It’s important that we all stay healthy, but man. Some of my colleagues really took a hit and it makes me really sad. I was extremely fortunate to not have a lot of business booked this year, since that means I didn’t really lose anything. I feel as though I’m in a position to help the local creative community in some way but I don’t know what that is just yet. If you are a Des Moines creative, hit me up. I’d love to chat with you about what you need and maybe get some ideas on a relief package for fellow creatives.

DES MOINES WEDDING SHOW
So I took a big risk, or so it feels. I signed up to be a vendor at the Des Moines Wedding Show. It will take place on August 30 at the Scottish Rite Consistory in downtown Des Moines. I’m excited to do my first trade show! It’s so much fun figuring out how I want to present my materials, and maybe even making some of it. If you know a couple who is planning on getting married or a couple who is already engaged and looking for a wedding photographer, please send them to the show! Central Iowa is full of talent in everything from catering to wedding dress design, and it’s worth coming to explore all the local wedding community has to offer.

PART-TIME JOB
I took a part-time job at a hotel! Flight school isn’t cheap so I thought I’d try to make a little extra cash on the side. I’ve always wanted to work front desk at a hotel and this seemed like a great opportunity. I love meeting people from everywhere and learning about what brings them to Iowa. Some people get a little cantankerous, and others are just downright nasty, but that’s the hospitality industry for you. Regardless, it’s still fun. It’s a great way to practice customer service in a little bit more direct way, and keep my skills sharp. In addition, I just really love to work.

WEDDING AT RATHBUN LAKE
I have been dying to shoot a wedding since before Christmas and I finally got the chance to second shoot, this time with Bryanna Hamlin of Blush Photography. She was a blast to work with. She’s very friendly, fun and professional, and she gave me a lot of good advice and encouragement over the course of the day. I would love to work with her again. Rathbun Lake is beautiful in and of itself, but it makes for a great wedding venue. At any given point in my career, I want to make space in my schedule to second shoot for other photographers and absorb their wisdom. I never want to see myself as being above that, and I never want to think myself so high and mighty that I can’t learn from another photographer.

MADE IN JUNE
Not everything I do is for business. This is what I photograph in my spare time. This month is two pictures of Geoff. I didn’t shoot much in June aside from the Rathbun Wedding. I’m honestly a little disappointed in how little I shot. It’s not for lack of love, but I think in June I just lacked a lot of energy to create.

Anyway, that’s all I have for June.

Cheers, kids.

Emma