Phoenix Photography Studio Refresh

Once a year I spend a few days in this space and it’s become one of my favorite jobs! The company is great (love you, Ash) and my creativity soars with all the unique props I get to play with.

You want a session with Dr. Seuss- bring on the green eggs and ham.

Winter Wonderland- let it snow, let it snow.

Lost at sea- not without... baby shark doo doo doo- YOU know the song!

Princess cafe- cupcakes and tea anyone?

You get the idea... the options are endless. But with endless options comes the possibility for endless messes. Whether it’s finding the right prop, extra kiddos along for a session, or multiple {different} sessions in a row. Messes happen. I will quote Marie Kondo all day long “I LOVE MESS!" Without messes, I would be out of a job. To sum it up, the messes people try to hide or are ashamed of are all a part of the beauty of organizing.

Without further ado the before (aka the mess)... that I love. Did I say that?

This part can seem intimidating. Yes, it’s a lot of work but getting things back in order is the fun part.

There was a point during our day where I was clearing one area of the studio, essentially finishing it. I do this often, especially if the space is large and there are multiple zones. I looked over at my client and said “this would be so easy to post.” Instagram vs reality! I don’t dislike Instagram- I’m thankful for the opportunities and clients it’s brought me. However, there is definitely a lack of reality being portrayed. I’m guilty of it too, I love a good quality photo. My grid is all about after the mess. Similar to 'after the final rose" when all the bachelor/bachelorette dust has settled. My point is, it’s ok to post these photos just speak truth to whats behind them.

Instagram:

Reality:

I believe organizing is appealing to a lot of people, but after the initial “I’m going to organize my whole house” wears off... they give up.

The only way to get organized is to complete spaces, and the only way to stay organized is to maintain those spaces. There is a method to the madness.

• Every time you complete a space- maintaining it will be easier.
• Every time you maintain a space, messes are less likely to occur.

We are all human. Things don’t get put back, messes don’t get cleaned up, and what once was is no more. But remember what I said, once you organize a space everything after will be easier. Same was true for this studio. We’ve spent years giving everything a home and reevaluating the importance of the items. So when it came to clean up, the systems began to show again.

Friends, when you're in the thick of organizing it will feel as if you made things worse. GOOD! This means you are doing it right. The bigger the mess the bigger the strides. Soon you will start to see the space wake-up again. Floors will be revealed, shelves will take shape, and you will be able to let out a big sigh of relief.

Job well done.

The after (aka the bliss)

The days ahead are going to run a whole lot smoother for my client and that makes my heart skip a little beat.