I’m about to say what every lazy blogger says in their first post of the new year – can you believe it’s February already?? But it’s true – the month of January has flown by. In the past, January is usually a slow month of little to no photo sessions, so I re-evaluate my business practices, update my website and plan for the coming year. I did do all of those things, but our family also went on two trips – 10 days in DisneyWorld and 4 days in Washington & Oregon. So, January 2023 has been a bit of a whirlwind!

As I venture further into the year, I’m reminded of past years when the winter season had my stress levels heightened with minimal inquiries and a general lack of interest in winter family photo sessions. Nowadays, I know that this is the norm, and this year especially, I’m able to relax into it and take some deep breaths. And it’s when those deep breaths happen that I’m able to really sit back and look at my work-life balance and general career happiness and then re-assess what’s working for me and what isn’t.

Hence, this udpate!

Don’t worry – I still love being a family photographer here in South Delta! I have no plans to stop. But I have decided to focus more on the things I *really* love about my work, and give less attention to the things that aren’t aligned with my vision and personality. Here’s what that means:

• Shifting my focus to primarily outdoor and/or lifestyle sessions. All family sessions will take place outdoors, where I’m most comfortable as a photographer and where I know I do my best work. Occasional headshot sessions may take place indoors at my home studio, but when possible, I’ll be aiming to do most headshot sessions outdoors as well. Newborn lifestyle sessions will continue to take place in the comfort of my client’s own homes. At all sessions, I’ll be focusing less on perfectly “posed” shots.
• Shooting primarily in South Delta. I love Tsawwassen. I live here, I play here. I know all the great outdoor locations. I have favourite spots that I’m super familiar with. And for those reasons, I do my best work here. And I want to showcase my best work whenever possible, so my goal is to shoot the majority of my sessions here in Ladner or Tsawwassen so that I can get you the best results for your investment.
• A teensy-weensy price increase. Maybe you’ve already noticed this, but I tend to increase my pricing minimally every year. This year is no different – I’m just choosing to be upfront and transparent about it 🙂 As I begin to value my time and talent as a photographer more and more, I know that I deserve this “raise” every year. So, session fees are going up about $25 each, and my digital file prices are also going up slightly (from $25 to $29 each). Still a good deal, I think!
• My favourite types of sessions will continue to be available! This includes my infamous summer sunset sessions (pre-booking coming in April!), my Pay-What-You-Can Mother’s Day Minis, and Fall Family Sessions. I will also continue to offer regular family sessions, in-home newborn lifestyle sessions, headshots and the occasional wedding. On the chopping block – indoor Holiday Minis (sorry! They just aren’t my forté!), school portrait sessions and children’s portrait sessions, indoor family photo sessions and offerings, Headshot Days and family films.
• Photography lessons for kids! If you’ve made it this far – congrats! This one is another exciting update. Although I loved offering a summer camp a few years back, the timing just doesn’t work for me, as my summers (and spring break) are already super busy! But I am thrilled to be offering parents the option to book one-on-one photography lessons with me for their kids. Lessons are $50 + GST each and kids need to have their own camera. Special discounted rates are available for siblings/friends. Send me an email for more info.

I cannot stress enough how much I love being one of the favourite family photographers in South Delta. I truly value each and every family that I get to work with, and always love watching your kids grow and seeing returning faces. If you have any questions at all about the updates to my business, please don’t hesitate to ask! Can’t wait to see you in front of my camera again!

Eran Sudds is a Tsawwassen photographer who specializes in fun & natural sessions for you and your entire family. She is available for maternity, newborn, family portraits and headshots at locations in South Delta, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland. Contact her to book your session!