
I want to start this off blog by saying that 2024 has truly been the best year of my life. From studying in Portugal for 6 months, to dancing bare-foot in morocco with my girlfriends, to moving back home to my small Texan town. I have learned more about myself and the world than I have in any other year in my life.
I have fallen madly in love with my craft, photography. Specifically, wedding and branding photography. I've experienced some incredible wins that I am so freakin proud of. A few months ago, for example, I gained 1,000 instagram followers and celebrated with a blueberry muffin and a gold dollar store candle shoved in the middle. It may have been a simple, small celebration, but those 1,000 followers—each one showing love for my work— mean the world to me. 1,000 friends who appreciate my art, countless clients who trusted me and referred me to their friends and family. The loyal story likers, the people who repost my work and who send encouraging words my way... you'll never know how much I appreciate it all.
So yeah, 2024 has truly been the best year of my life. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t come with its own challenges, too. I experienced insecurities and anxiety, as I do every year. My acne, my hair, my teeth, you name it. I fell one too many times into the whole "comparing myself to other creatives" rabbit hole. I started consistently vlogging and then burned out and stopped. I'm an imperfect human, and while 2024 was the best year of my life, there's still some things I want to work on.
So, without further a do, I present to you my 2025 Ins and Outs.
Ins:
Working Out - I will preach this until the day I die: consistent exercise is life-changing. I've been working out 5 days a week for three years and It has helped so much with my confidence and mental health.
Prioritizing Sleep - While I love watching Gilmore Girls until three in the morning, my nighttime routine has definitely gotten out of hand. I am my best self when I'm well rested, and when I get my day started early. That's why I'm going to try my best to prioritize getting 8 hours of sleep every. single. week. night.
Photography Education - The photography industry is constantly evolving, and I want to stay ahead of the curve to give my clients the best service possible. Even though I minored in photography in college, there’s always more to learn. In 2025, I’ve already signed up for a week-long photographer’s retreat in Oregon, where I’ll be learning from some incredible industry pros. (AHH! Stay tuned for details!)
Build a Badass Brand Portfolio - Last year reminded me just how much I love working with brands. I love how different each brand is from the next and how passionate brand owners are. I get so much joy helping brands connect deeply with real people through intentional imagery. In 2025, I’m going all in to create a badass brand portfolio to keep pursuing this passion.
Traveling More - One of the reasons 2024 was so amazing was the time I spent abroad. Traveling has been my dream since I was a little girl staring at the world map on my bedroom wall. As a photographer, one of my biggest goals is to document elopements and brands across the globe. I’m already kicking things off with my first out-of-state shoot for TWOFIFTY—the coolest jewelry brand ever—and I couldn’t be more excited!
Outs:
Doom Scrolling - Let’s be real—we all do it. Scrolling through reels or TikToks can feel harmless, but have you checked your screen time lately? I have, and let’s just say… humbled is an understatement. This year, I want to replace doom scrolling with something that's actually good for my soul. Reading, scrapbooking, and painting are just a few things I have in mind. If you have any other ideas for phone-free hobbies... DM me!
DIY Client Processes - In 2024, I was juggling email threads, Canva-made contracts, and manually creating invoices for every client. While it worked, it wasn’t exactly smooth or efficient. This year, I’ve upgraded to a seamless booking and payment system that makes life easier for both my clients and me. Everything from signing contracts to paying invoices is now quick and stress-free. I’m excited to provide an elevated experience for my clients this year!
Comparing Myself to Others - This one has been a hard habit to break. Every year I find myself going through a season of comparison—"their business seems so much further ahead", "they are prettier", "their calendar is always so full", etc. In 2025, I'm done with that mindset. I'm focusing on my unique journey and celebrating my own growth. The only person I’m comparing myself to is 2024 Emma—and she’s already set a pretty high bar.
Online Dating - Smh...I bet you didn't see this one coming! I haven’t talked much about my love life on social media, and that’s because… well, there isn’t much to talk about. My close friends and family know that online dating has been a complete waste of time for me. It's exhausting, weird, and just not my vibe anymore. So, I'm leaving hinge behind and focusing on dating myself this year instead. Whether I meet someone the old-fashioned way (hello, in real life!) or I don't- it doesn't matter. This year is about building a life I love, regardless of my relationship status.
I hope you enjoyed reading through my 2025 ins and outs and that this blog inspired you to make your own. It’s such a fun way to reflect on what matters most to you as you step into a new year. I’d love to hear what’s on your list for 2025—what are you embracing this year, and what are you ready to leave behind? Share your thoughts in the comments or send me a message! Here’s to making 2025 a year full of growth, living authentically, and celebrating the moments that truly matter.
Until next time,
Emma Grace
Comments