At the end of every year, I start looking back on that year’s story. Where I began, where I have ended up. The accomplishments I have made and the mistakes that I had the opportunity to learn from. In total, I photographed 24 weddings, the births of three babies, went on numerous adventures with seniors, told love stories during engagement sessions, and watched families grow right before my own eyes. It was an amazing year. I have a feeling 2017 will be the best yet! For the first time ever, I want to share my top 10 goals for 2017. It’s hard to pinpoint just 10 goals for the new year, and I believe they’ll evolve and change throughout the year, but I think it’s good to think out loud. Who better to share my thoughts with than you?! I’m counting on you all to help me stay on track with my goals and stay focused!! I can’t wait to see where 2017 takes me.

1. Blog at least 2-3 times per week

This is a big one! Blogging is something that I have gotten better with in 2016, but I want to be better. Blogging is any photographer’s best friend, but it takes SO. MUCH. TIME. Dedicating hours every week to blogging is going to be tough, but I think I can do it! I have so much I want to share with you, but I also want to know what YOU want me to share! Feel free to shoot me messages, comments, or emails and let me know what questions I can answer, advice I can give, or personal stories you want to hear!

2. Book an Indian wedding

I have always been infatuated with the customs of Indian weddings. There are so many elements to and Indian wedding that I have never been witness to that I would love to see! The Mendi ceremony where the bride is adorned in henna, the beautiful sari the bride wears, the elaborate and colorful decorations – it’s enough to make me swoon!

3. Purchase the 50mm 1.2 and 100mm macro lenses

This is a matter of saving my pennies and budgeting for the next year, which I’m not the best at… which leads me to my next goal…

4. Budget and handle finances better

When it comes to budgeting, I lose my mind! I don’t even know where to start. I understand the basics, and so many people have what works for them, but I just haven’t found what works for me! I used to be so good about this but it got away from me and now I feel like I’m back to square one. This year, I hope to buckle down and figure this budgeting thing out. Any tips or suggestions would be helpful!

5. Reach 3000 followers on Instagram

I am so close to hitting the 2k mark but I believe that before 2017 is over I can reach 3,000 people! I refuse to “buy” my likes and want to reach followers organically, but it’s tougher than it looks! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my Instagram page HERE and follow me for the latest announcements, photos, and updates!

6. Expand Mager Image Boudoir

It’s not something I do every day, and in fact haven’t done in a long time, but I love boudoir. It’s not just about taking sexy photos for women to gift to their significant others, but for me it’s about helping women see just how beautiful they are. In any size, any stage of life, every woman should be able to feel confident in her own skin. I hope to prove that, and my first chance to do so is coming up January 15th and 16th with my very first boudoir mini sessions. If you would like more information on these sessions, spots are limited so message me today!

7. Travel the world

This may be a bit far-fetched, but we all need those shoot-for-the-stars dreams, right? I’ve always loved to travel. Brandon loves to travel. We’ve traveled a few states away and I’ve been to California and Florida before when I was younger, but I want to stamp my passport with places from all over the world! The stamp from our honeymoon to Cancun is lonely – ha! I’d love to visit places like Greece, Jamaica, and Italy, just to name a few!

8. Connect in person

As a business owner, it’s really easy to carry work with you everywhere. It’s always on my mind and today’s technology makes it really easy to work on the go. With social media being such a huge part of my marketing and texting as the primary source of communication, it’s not hard to stay glued to the phone when out and about. But this year, I’d really like to focus on leaving the business woman at the door and interacting more with those I love.

9. Own our first home

That’s right! We have kept things pretty private with our big plans, but within the next few months we hope to become HOMEOWNERS!! We’re ready to move on from our rental and really make a house a home with room to grow our family (and no I’m not pregnant!) We’re in the works and could use good vibes that everything goes smoothly.

10. Get better about organizing (and staying there)

This is going to be maybe one of the hardest parts for me. I am not as organized as I wish I were, and with a toddler running around, sometimes it feels impossible. But with plans to move, I figure now’s a better time than any!

So there you have it! 10 goals for the year! As I said before, I’m sure they will change and progress as time goes on, but I hope to check in on them later this year! What are some goals you have for this year? Comment yours below!