My hope with See Things Closer Photography is that it brings your family together through intentional connection and that my camera helps you see the things that mean the most to you closer and in a beautiful new light.

Hi friends! Happy November! I love the fresh start of a new month, which feels a little more approachable than the start of the new year. I’ve set three intentions/goals for this month, and I’m excited to work toward them: posting once a week on social media, taking myself on a weekly artist date (which was inspired by reading “The Artist Way”), and getting connected with the local photography community here in St. Louis by attending monthly meet-ups at 20th Street Studio.

Over the last few weeks, it has been so much fun seeing both old and new faces while capturing beautiful keepsake images for you all. For me, fall is about soaking up all the autumnal colors and getting to document so many of your families year after year. You even inspire me to document my own family and to make it a priority like you all do. As always, I am honored to have the opportunity to be your family photographer. If you are hoping to have your family photos taken this fall, I have a few open spots left in the links below or reply to this email if you are interested in scheduling an indoor holiday mini at a local St. Louis studio.

*The times listed for full sessions are set for outdoor sessions when sunlight is at its most ideal, especially with daylight savings. If you’d like to book a studio session or an indoor lifestyle session in your home, we can be more flexible with the timing for the day you select.

Every month, I love sharing with you what’s been catching my eye, and today, I’m excited to share a few new favorite discoveries.

First up, it’s that cozy time of year. When I get home from work, I immediately want to change into warm, comfy clothes. I found this top and pant set at Target last week and I’m obsessed! I sized up for the ultimate oversized situation. Bring on holiday films, hot drinks, and snug layers.

Second, I know the new year is still two months away, but I’m too excited not to share this. I’ve been on team digital planner (aka Google Cal) for the last 4 years, but for 2023 I’m going back to the old-school analog planner. I recently discovered Golden Coil and can not stop thinking about how brilliant it is. It is a 100% customizable planner where you can choose the cover, inserts, and calendar layout. I’m super excited about the journaling pages, storyboarding pages for session planning each month, and inspiration pages to document what inspires me in 2023. The challenges and quotes they put on the bottom of each page are also a lot of fun. Lastly, I added three trip planner pages to the back of my book for adventures I have planned in the coming year. Highly recommend taking a look at this video on how to customize yours if you haven’t found the right planner before - Golden Coil seems to be changing the planner game! Stay tuned to see if I like returning to writing things down vs. documenting things digitally.

p.s. Golden Coil’s blog is also a tremendous source of knowledge on the internet. So glad I found it!

Let’s take a closer look at...holiday cards! 🎄 One of my favorite traditions started five or so years ago. Instead of going it alone, my friends and I decided to get together and stuff our holiday cards together! We put on The Holiday, make a cozy drink, and stamp our cards with the cutest winter-themed options...usually “The Snowy Day” stamps. I also try to order my cards around this time so that it’s an enjoyable tradition and I’m not having to use rush shipping and add to the stress of the season.

I have two options for holiday cards this year that I’m excited to share with you! 

1. For the third year in a row, I am part of the photographer program with Paper Culture. This means you can get 50% off cards until January 15th with the code SEETHINGSC*. There are many reasons I choose to print through Paper Culture: free addressing, free designer assistance before you purchase, every order plants a tree, and all cards are made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper, so no trees are cut down. (*This is an affiliate code, which means I will earn a small commission from your purchase.)

2. I am also thrilled to offer you a second option: printing through Pic-Time, where I deliver your galleries. They are running 40% off all holiday card orders through November 25th, and since all your photos are already uploaded into Pic-Time, this would eliminate a step for you.

I hope these two options are helpful and make this process more enjoyable if you choose to print holiday cards  I’d also love to see them if you post on social! Tag me at @seethingscloser.

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This fall, I have loved seeing old faces again and meeting many new families. I never take it for granted that you choose me to document your family every year. Thank you for supporting my small business, you all are the best!

M U C H 💌 L O V E , B R O O K E