Hey there! I know I said I had something else planned for this weeks blog post. While I was typing it up though, it just felt more natural to put a pin in the idea for now and send a message to those of you who keep me feeling supported, motivated, and inspired.

I won’t take up too much of your time, but do be warned that this one is a bit more “raw” in emotion. If you’re not into the mushy-gushy, feel free to check back next week. For those of you who love a good ego boost (just kidding, but I do think the world of you guys) – well, you know the drill. Grab a chair, your favourite blanket, and your evening beverage, and enjoy my little love letter to you.

I truly don’t know where I’d be

If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know Ruhe Liebe Photography started originally under a “collective” page (formerly K.COLLECTIVE) where I offered serviced for pretty much anything I’d had an education or any experience in. I really wanted to serve as a one-stop shop for everyone and for anything from product recommendations to photography to interior design and babysitting. Even now just typing that out feels so overwhelming and I could only imagine how my followers felt looking at my page. I knew I needed to really focus on what spoke to me the most.

In the meantime I’d worked alongside my (now) husband for a few years on several of his videography ventures and realized how lucky we were in how well we preformed on different projects together. I also found myself really wanting to step on into my own projects as well. He fully supported me and taught me anything I needed to know to get me started, and I dove into what is now Ruhe Liebe. I had no idea my direction or what would come of it, but I was ready to take it all on on my own.

Still, to this day, I am learning what works and what doesn’t. What feels right and what doesn’t. How to run a small business on my own while working 50+ hours a week (outside of photography). All of that has come with inconsistent and messy posts, feeds that didn’t really mesh well, and nights of feeling lost and wondering when and how I’m going to “be successful” in this industry. I still get so giddy every time I gain a follower (and really emo when I lose one, too). It’s in those moments that I realize the success to me really isn’t just monetary – and I deeply care about forming connections and a brand that hold a strong bond and are lifelong.

I say all this to say – I truly don’t know where I’d be without those of you who support me and have welcomed me into this space. While (obviously) bookings are what keep my business financially on it’s feet; the comments of support, the shares, the likes, the messages of advice and encouragement, the offers to meet and share creative space or even work collaboratively, and more… There’s really no better feeling than those that come with each of these things. I take my work seriously, but to know that the foundation of my business is being built on genuine connections and friendship. UGH. I could cry about it for DAYS.

You all are truly amazing. Whether you’re a fellow Photographer, Vendor, or a past or current (or potential *wink wink*) client of mine – you all hold a piece of my heart. Thank you for being a part of who my business and I are today. You inspire me every single day and I so very much look forward to seeing what the future brings for us – together. I love taking a step back – especially in the slow seasons – to really take a look at how we all have grown over the years and in our own ways. I can only imagine how it’ll feel doing so with many more years under my belt and even more of you in the picture.

I love you all with my whole heart. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for me, my business, and my soul. What a great journey it’s been so far. :’)

xoxo, Katelynn