After a long month and a half, I’m finally back in action – ready to take on my next client and creative adventure!

These past several months (and if we’re really counting, more like the past year) have truly tested me & my family in ways I could have never imagined. I started to notice myself slipping, forgetting deadlines, emotions all out of whack, and being pulled in far too many different directions than my body could handle. Eventually, I made the decision to take that as my sign to step back, realign, and come back stronger.

I was talking with a friend who is also in the event industry, and she really put it into perspective for me; “Everyone needs a break sometime. It is up to you to decide whether that break becomes permanent or not“. For the last several weeks, I’ve been feeling a bit of fear when it comes to whether or not this break signed the Death Warrant for my business. Talking with her truly opened my eyes and made me realize how much power I have with my business – and that doesn’t just go away with a “vacation”.

For today, I truly just want to catch up with you all. It feels like it’s been an eternity, and I’ve missed you guys so much!

As always, grab your fave morning beverage, your coziest seat in the house, a warm blanket, and let’s chat about what’s been going on, what I have planned, and some goals I have for this new season of mine!

What I’ve Been Up To…

As many of you know, the “straw that broke the camel’s back” which led to my 2 month-long break was the unfortunate, unexpected passing of my husband & I’s sweet dog – Onyx. Truthfully speaking, he was originally my Husband’s dog. No – he really was like his son. Since we started dating several years ago, though, our families (me, him, his dog, & mine) melded together. He was the happy, energetic, precious glue of the household. We’re still not used to how much quieter our house has become since he passed. The amount of kind people who took the time to send us messages of support, well wishes, etc. was something I honestly didn’t expect. I just do not have the words, you guys always amaze and make me feel loved.

2 weeks later brought along my Birthday and my Husband and I’s Dating Anniversary. We celebrated the day with an Anniversary Photoshoot at the place it all began – Penny Path Cafe and a walk through Reynolda Gardens. Honestly, trying to keep that surprise from my Husband was much harder than I expected it to be. There was actually a moment I thought I saw him notice our Photographer when we first came in, but everything ended up going just the way it was meant to – and the images turned out beautiful! We ended the last half of the day with a trip to High Point to see The Odyssey in IMAX, followed by a delicious Brazilian Steakhouse dinner at Lasso Gaucho here in Downtown Winston. The day truly was perfect, and such a much-needed breath of fresh air after weeks of stress and turmoil.

Since then I’ve really just been focused on therapy, work, my Mentorship (read more about it in my last blog – or stay tuned for more!), and getting back into a good routine. As much as I hated to step away from Photography for a couple of months – and Styled Shoots for the remainder of the year – I know how much my body, heart, and soul needed this break. I feel so confident, now, that it’s truly only up from here. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for Ruhe Liebe, especially now that my head’s back on straight (or mostly, anyways LOL).

The Future of Ruhe Liebe

Ruhe Liebe Photography

Ruhe Liebe Photography is back and better than ever! We’ve already got a few shoots and second-shooter opportunities on the horizon and for the remainder of 2026. My books are currently still open for more, but please do keep in mind that spots will be more limited until the 2027 season. If you’ve been looking for a sign to book your shoot – now’s the time!

To book a session, feel free to

• Send a message through my Contact page, here on my website.
• Send an email to ruheliebephotography@gmail.com
• Send a DM on Instagram to my page, ruheliebephotography

& I’ll be more than happy to chat about securing your date!

Ruhe Liebe Concepts

While the Styled Shoots I had originally planned to take place throughout the remainder of 2026 have been cancelled (for now…), don’t think you can count us out yet! I’m currently in the process of putting together some Fall/Christmas Creative Sessions to get those creative gears turning and already in motion for when the 2027 Season makes its debut!

For those of you who are interested; You can expect for Fall Sessions to take place sometime in late-September or early-October, and Christmas/Holiday Sessions to take place sometime in late-November or early-December. Each set will contain spots available for clients local to Winston-Salem and Raleigh/Durham areas, starting with 4 spots each.

As for the 2027 Season of Styled Shoots, I have so many meaningful and thoughtfully-curated concepts waiting for all my fellow Photographers, Videographers, Content Creators, and other Event Vendors! Throughout the next 3 months, I’ll be working on perfecting the remaining details for these shoots and preparing for launch! I truly cannot wait to see these concepts brought to life and to see/meet you there!

Goals for the New Era

Ruhe Liebe is about to get a facelift. What’s a fresh start without an updated website, new client processes, investing in new materials, and taking more chances to practice my craft or meet more people in the industry? Previously, I’d been so focused on all of my own shoots and events that I truly never had the extra time or resources to participate in others. For the remainder of 2026, into 2027, and all into the foreseeable future – I’m going to be making it my goal to attend at least 1-2 “outside” events per month.

I recently did a Styled Shoot where I was one of the models – rather than a working Photographer, and it was so fulfilling for me to be able to spend that time with other creatives (bonus points because I didn’t have to worry about taking out my own camera). It really did feel like just a few hours of fun with some friends. Plus, I got to meet some amazing new people I might not have otherwise known without going. It’s important to me to continue to build on those friendships and relationships.

Closing Thoughts

2026 has been a rollercoaster like I could’ve never imagined or prepared for. However, I refuse to let what these last year or so has dumped on us stop me from doing what I love to do – meeting, creating, and working with all of you. I truly believe this break was everything I needed to be able to reapproach the remainder of the year without residual stress/angst/fluster.

Intentionally. Thoughtfully. Delicately.

That’s how I’m approaching this next season. Are you coming along?

Katelynn | Ruhe Liebe Photography

Ruhe Liebe.Concepts