I can't believe the day is here.  I've been talking about doing this for nearly 3 years.  I've been thinking and preparing for it for 5 years.  It is exciting but also a bit scary.  Others have told me I'll wonder why I didn't do this sooner.  What is this thing you ask?  I am closing the chapter on the only work life I've ever known to be a full time professional photographer. 

Can't believe the day has finally arrived.  I told my boss 3 years ago that I was planning to retire soon.  We even talked to the COO of the University in the Provost's office so we could start making transition plans.  My end date has changed 3 times.  That explains why everyone keeps asking, are you really leaving? as they express their disbelief.  The majority of my career has been in clinical academic medicine.  For the past 20 years I have been working at UT Southwestern, with 15 of those in the same position as the Administrative Manager of the Department of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery.  (I've added in a few pics from my retirement reception!)  Big job, big responsibilities, lots of challenges and opportunities to impact lots of lives.  So why am I making the change?  Why am I giving up a good, dependable salary for the unknown? 

Randy actually asked me again this week. "Why?".  Not that he was questioning my decision; I think he wanted me to articulate for myself the reason why.  And let me digress and say Randy has been so supportive of me all of our lives, including when I decided to start the photography business and while I was spending lots of money on equipment purchases to get the business going and on photography education that we could have spent elsewhere.  He keeps telling me that I am building the foundation.  Well, the foundation is built and the time is right to make this transition and start this new chapter.  

So why photography?  Why am I doing this?   It is not because I have always been a great photographer.  Looking back on some of my photos over the years, I can pick them apart technically, but those were really snapshots on vacations - of our family and of scenery.  Those are our memories so I cherish them.   Over the past 5-6 years since I started receiving mentoring and training in photography, my knowledge and skills have grown.  But more importantly, I have found much satisfaction from the creativity that photography brings that I don't get elsewhere.  And, as much apprehension that I have when I am first meeting a new client, there is also great satisfaction when I am able to provide portraits of their family that they truly love and are excited to display in their homes.  Knowing that I have been able to capture their family connection and then preserve it and bring them joy every time they see it, excites me and challenges me to keep learning more and getting better!    

The future is what we make of it and God willing, I plan to put my full focus and efforts into providing my clients with a great experience and beautiful portraits to showcase in their home.   

And - I lean on this Bible verse, a lot - Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your on understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.