It really has been a great year for Sport Dog Photography.  There are still many things that I would like to be doing to further my business, but this year has brought me many growth opportunities.  The intent of this post isn’t to bore you with wordy details, rather to highlight some of the things that have taken place in 2015.  I was fortunate to be able to expand into some new areas this year, and also was able to see many familiar faces, as well.  If you take the time to read to the end, there is even a little surprise that most of you don’t know about….But you’ll just have to keep reading to find out.

Probably the biggest achievement for me was making my business official.  In January, I filed for my LLC.  I had been putting it off for a while, as I had been running the business through an older company.  Now, the photo business is officially Sport Dog Photography LLC.  Nothing really changes for most of my clients, but it makes things easier for me, and adds a layer of protection.

The spring started off pretty typical with a few RGS events.  It is always fun to get out int he field with old friends, and make a few new ones along the way.

Toward the middle of 2014, I was asked to shoot the 2015 Michigan Sporting Clays Championship, by Michigan Shooting Centers.  It was great to be able to see some of the pros doing their thing on the course.  It is hard to be creative when watching basically the same thing over and over, but those are the situations that make you better, and keep you thinking.  I would love to pick up a few more events like this, in the future.

As fall approached, I had lined up a few different hunts, including my first waterfowl hunt.  While grouse and upland hunting are what I love to do, I am also equally drawn to the duck blind.  The nature of duck hunting lends to certain challenges for a photographer, but I welcome them all, and adjusted as needed.

Of course there is there is grouse season.  And, while I may not get to hunt as much as I would like, I consider each step into the woods a blessing, and whether I am carrying the gun or the camera, I am creating memories.

This year was the first time that I decided to publish a calendar.  I have toyed with the idea in the past, but wasn’t really sure who would want it.  I created one this year primarily as a “thank-you” for some of my clients.  I then put the remaining prints online for sale.  To my surprise, I sold out in about a week.  I have more in stock now, so if you are reading this and want one, I still have a few left.  Below are some of the images in the 2016 SDP Calendar.  Follow the link to purchase one for yourself.

And now, if you have been looking through this post only looking forward to this big secret project, well here it is.  Since I started doing photography professionally, I have always told people that I don’t shoot wedding or babies.  Well that still holds true for the most part.  I prefer shooting events, dogs, and hunting.  It’s what I feel I am good at, and what I have chosen to focus on.  I was approached by a friend early in the year wondering if I would be willing to shoot her wedding.  I said no, and gave them some options of other photographers that I feel do an excellent job of capturing weddings.  Apparently she wasn’t going to take no for an answer, and eventually I agreed to take on the task.  As I said up front, I think it is important to try new things as a photographer.  It keeps your mind fresh, and makes you think beyond what your are comfortable with.  So, that being said, I did it!  They were looking for a photojournalistic style of coverage, and I felt that I could provide that.  I will admit, when it come to posed shots, I struggled, but the rest fo the weekend felt pretty natural.  I was honored to be a part of their special day.

Am I a wedding photographer now? NO.  Would I do it again given the right circumstance?  Maybe.  Was I pleased with the outcome?  Yes.  So, you be the judge, or better yet, keep your negative comments to yourself…just kidding…sort of.

Ehde Wedding Photo Highlights

Thanks for taking a look at my year end review.  I look forward to seeing many of you again in the coming year.  I have a couple things already lined up for 2016, so if you are thinking of booking and event or shoot, please contact me soon.  I am hoping for an even better 2016.