The Best Investment | Me + Ladybug
Athens Atlanta GA Wedding Photographer

October 20, 2015

One of my main purposes as a photographer is to give people images that they will cherish forever.  If you don’t think photos are important now, wait until they’re all you have left.  This year has been the biggest eye-opener: I’ve learned the hard way multiple times that we’re not guaranteed even one more day on this earth, and when unexpected things happen and you suddenly lose someone you love dearly, photos quickly become your most cherished mementos.  Therefore, I believe in documenting occasions and those you love in photographs.  Yes, that includes you too!  YOU are loved, so no more waiting until you “lose 10 pounds,” no more photos of just your kids, no more excuses.  Exist in photos NOW.

I also believe in investing in photos that will actually last.  I don’t consider iPhone snapshots that are viewed solely on Facebook really documenting life.  Yes, it’s better than nothing, but will these photos stand the test of time?  They say that our generation is the most photographed generation in history but will end up with the least amount of photos. WOW!  I’ve already written about it here and here, so I won’t continue to preach the importance of professional photographs.  But let me tell you: Professional photos are the BEST investment you’ll ever make.

For now, Ladybug is my family.  She is the current love of my life.  I adore her more than words can express.  And it had been weighing on me for a while that I’ve now had her for 9 months (wait, what?!) and hadn’t gotten professional photos taken!  Yes, I’ve photographed her a million times, but I’ve never been in the photos WITH her.  And so I researched pet photographers and ultimately hired Payton Adams Photography.  At first I went through the thought process that I know many of my clients do as they think about the price tag: “I only need a few photos. Nothing big. Nothing fancy.”  I hear this all the time from people basically price shopping and seeing how little they can get away with paying for something so important.  Well let me tell you what I already knew in the back of my mind but was reminded when I got my photos back from Payton: these photos are PRICELESS to me.  Now that I have them, I can’t imagine not having them.  Looking at them brings me such a mix of happy, proud, and sappy emotions.  I can’t wait till they are hanging on the walls of my home so I can enjoy them on a daily basis.

Payton, thank you. Thank you for calming my nerves and being patient with me during the shoot (holy moly, now I know what my clients go through! I didn’t realize how stressful it is to even pick out an outfit for photos, make sure my hair is at least mildly cooperative when I need it to be, and then try not to look like a dork in front of the camera). Thank you for your incredible service from beginning to end of this exciting process.  Thank you for capturing moments in photos that I will cherish forever.  ** If anyone needs a pet photographer, I HIGHLY recommend Payton Adams!

Now please enjoy these photos of my baby girl, my sunshine, my cuddle-bug, my love.  And if you’re on Instagram, you can keep up with Ladybug’s adventures using #mylifewithladybug.
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Always Give Thanks…

Thank you, Payton Adams Photography, for these truly AMAZING photos that I’ll cherish forever!

Thank you, Lisa at Model Citizen Salon, for my favorite haircut to date!

Thank you, Nicole Yearwood of Inner Beauty Outward, for being a dear friend and helping me tame my hair on the day of the session!

Thank you, Megan, for letting me borrow my dream tulle skirt for the shoot.  I’m so honored to call you a friend and past-bride of mine!

Thank you, Athens Area Humane Society, for helping me rescue my sweet baby!  The best gift I’ve ever been given.

Claire Diana