A New Path: from Organizer and Designer to Guide
It was a cold, dark December night, and I was up late working on a personal photo book project, hoping to finish it before New Year’s. Every year, I had the same routine: upload the digital photos into whatever photo book publisher I was testing that year, complete as much as possible, and then spend the last two weeks of December taking being careful with any new photos and quickly choosing the ones that felt “book worthy”. That way, right after New Year’s Eve, I would load in the holiday pictures and place my order. Like clockwork, the family photo book would arrive before the end of January.
But this particular year, 2014, was different. I was working part-time at Girls on the Run, my kids were still young and needed their mama for everything, and I was juggling all the household duties (you know the ones… cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, chauffeuring to activities, homework help, and more. And yes, one silver lining of COVID was that so much of that running around changed in our household!).
On that late December night, that I had my AHA moment. I realized how much I loved these books, not just creating them, but seeing them on my shelves, holding them in my hands, and knowing the memories were preserved. And then it struck me: not everyone feels the same way about making them. Many people don’t have the patience, know-how, or desire to pull these projects together year after year. But they still deserve the joy that comes from having them.
And I could make that happen!
I decided I would design custom photo books for those who didn’t want to do it themselves. Every household could have these treasures on their shelves, on their coffee tables, in their hands. And, for those who didn’t want the books, but were overwhelmed with their digital photo mess, I could help them declutter and get organized.
Of course, starting my business wasn’t as simple as I imagined. Pricing was tricky. My early rates were so low that I was essentially working for $15/hour which was not exactly sustainable. Gradually, I raised my rates, and with that came a higher level of service: more one-on-one time, more personal storytelling, and a higher-quality finished product.
My role didn’t have to be organizer or creator - it could be GUIDE.
The business grew into one that created organized photo collections, custom family photo websites and everlasting memory books. Those who could afford them were thrilled. But I started hearing the same comments again and again: “I can’t afford it.” “It’s beautiful, but out of my budget.” My dream of every household owning these books began to fade. For me to create them personally, it simply wasn’t economically possible.
Until now.
I realized that my role didn’t have to be the organizer or creator - it could be the guide. I could share everything I’ve learned from years of digital photo organization: the shortcuts, the best tools, the pitfalls to avoid. I could show people how to do it themselves, on their own schedule, within their own budget, using the photo programs and services they choose. And if they just put in a little time, consistently, they could absolutely create the photo keepsakes they’ve always wanted.
That’s why I’m launching my Guided Photo Path program. It’s a 12-month journey to collect your digital photos, create a photo HUB, and prepare your photos for whatever end goal you choose, a photo book, a legacy hard drive, a slideshow, a family website, or something else entirely. The path is yours to take. The pace is yours to set. And working with me? That’s optional. But I think you’ll want to, because if you love your photos as much as I do, you’ll want to finally bring them to life.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more about how the Guided Photo Path works, what you can expect, and how you can start your own photo journey. Stay tuned… your photos are about to get the attention they deserve.
Sign up for our mailing list for photo book tips, organizing tricks, and all sorts of other fun and useful content.