Okay the Learning Curve is getting steeper- but here goes!

Okay so not only are things getting pretty technical but my learning curve has increased drastically and I still have yet to touch lightroom or photoshop.....so I've been jotting down my goals for this year and the kind of shoots I would like to capture. I want to dip my camera into a little of everything and truly believe that it will only help me to reach my full potential of making it as a wedding photographer. So just as I feel like I'm getting to know my camera, I realize there is still so much more to learn!!!! Here are the type of shots I'm aiming for this year, but my primary focus will be on weddings.

Weddings: engagements, bridals, pre-wedding,ceremony, day after wedding shots
Maternity
Infants
Children
High School Seniors
Family
Model and talent portfolios (#10 didn't forget)
Events: Musical, Dance, Concerts
Sports

So that alone takes up most of the year for scheduling that are in the works! I'm estatic to join Kayleen this weekend for bridals. This gal has been a tremendous influence to me and my work since I started my blog. Also, I plan to take my cam to a lil' concert that my girlfriend Sepa invited us to kz her husband is a "rockstar"...this woman has always been a solid sounding board to help me keep grounded and follow through with all of this...and then I may have a family shoot of 30 as well. I know, I know...I need to limit my work but I figure if I make the time for it now it will only expose me to my flaws, and of course added studies to my learning curve. Then next week I am heading out to Vegas for WPPI where I have already started networking so I can meet up with others there. I wasn't sure about going, but J* encouraged me to go and has been such a great mentor and friend. She has also helped me to really keep perspective with the details of my vision and how best to learn and budget well with the little I have. Can't wait to meet her and so many others out there! Viva Vegas:)....Then I have a wedding with my sis L who also is making sure we're on our toes and constantly learning and goal setting on a weekly basis. The networking opporutunities that I have found are just so rewarding! I've been blessed to have appts lined up which will help me meet my goals and can't wait to find my style of photography . Here is a sneak peek of what my calendar already looks like:

February: babies, children, concert, WPPI, family
March: CD release, family, dance event, model group shoot, wedding
April: family, children, senior portraits
May: wedding, CD release, maternity
June: family, children, wedding
July: family, newborn
August: family

I've been blown away at the response I've received for appointments and am so excited to get this show on the road. Nonetheless, the technical learning is also very important to me and has taken me for a ride every night as I research and study a few important things such as: lighting-studio and natural, my camera, posing, props, backgrounds/locations, Photoshop, lightroom, digital work flow, design, printing/burning, album layouts, branding, pricing, marketing, networking, are only to name a few. My work is definitely still cut out for me this year and I'm so determined to do it! My husband has been my backbone through all of this and has always seen my creativity expressed in many different ways, but his support in this endeavor only drives me to utilize this outlet to its fullest potential. I want to be able to capture the original moment of inspiration for each picture that I take. Thank you all for helping me get this far! This learning curve began with inspiration, and like they say, if you don't work hard to get into the daily grind of something you love, then you can never be polished. You have to be prepared to give up your leisure time, work past 6pm on weekends, and persue your dreams without getting discouraged.