Five years ago I experienced the deepest sadness I have ever had in my life. It was the year my big brother died from pancreatic cancer.  I stopped sending out Christmas cards.  The joy of the holidays became an effort.  But that year underscored the importance of family, friendship, ~ and making new memories.  

2011 was the year I reset my photography journey.  I was beginning to waiver in my commitment to it.  Something my brother did months before his diagnosis made me decide to continue pursuing it.  A photo I had taken of my family Golden Retriever, Koa, made its way around the internet.  My sister-in-law told me that my brother, a doctor, would show that photo to his patients, friends and colleagues.  

Koa and the bunniesKoa and the bunnies

A little sister never gets tired of generating attention from a big brother. His attention to that photo was the impetus I needed to see my journey through.

Turns out photography has lead to life changing experiences and cherished images.  I have made life-long friends through photography.  I have gifted portraits to families who have terminally ill mothers, sisters, fathers and brothers.  I have photos of my favorite aunt and of a favorite teacher, each of them now only existing in my heart and in photos.

I can pinpoint how one photo led to another.  A photo of a picnic basket resulted in photos of 6 famous chefs. A client becomes an entrepreneur and that led to photos in magazines, style blogs and newspapers.  Journaling about the homeless led to teaching a photography class to see through their eyes.

A big twist in my journey happened this May when the realization of becoming an empty nester *HIT* me like a ton of bricks.  My youngest would leave for college in the fall.  So I had to brace myself and prepare. During this time an idea kept coming to the forefront.  My idea was to create a position for myself working for a client I had known for several years. I crafted a job proposal.  I presented it to him in May. In June we were in negotiations.  Over the summer I devised a 30-day business plan. This October we inked a deal.  It. Was. Huge.  

I am over the moon with excitement about this new position.  Someone once told me, "Don't think about it as an empty nest but as a time to take flight!" She was right.  My dream of working as a staff photographer and curator for a private family foundation worked out.  I thoroughly love what I do.  Plus I am able to do limited freelancing during my own time.  And best of all I have my weekends back.  That gives me time with my husband to plan what we love most - travel.  I am blessed.  And those blessings start with my family.  I have three amazingly talented daughters. I have a husband who has a huge zest for life.  And I have a devoted Black Labrador, Rally, who is always by my side.  

Happy Holidays Tina Case PhotographyHappy Holidays Tina Case Photography

The purpose of my meandering here is to underscore, if you have a dream, an idea - make sure you pursue it.  You never know what might happen.  Cherish your friends and family who make your life wonderful.  A job is one thing but family and friends make it all worthwhile.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you.  My wish for all of you is that 2017 brings loads of joy, new adventures, good health, happiness and laughter.  And may God bless.