It happens to all of us. 

We get so busy and some things (like my blog) get neglected for a little while. I was gently reminded, "Oh, right! I have a blog. I should probably post something. You know.. to show I'm at least a little committed to it." 

I guess I'm a little late in doing this, but better late than never. Here are my New Year's resolutions for 2018! 

1) Post more regularly on my blog. 

• Okay. We are kind of off to a good start here. 

2) Get my own family portraits done. By a HIRED photographer.

• Like, LEGIT PORTRAITS. It's been far too long since we last had the family's photos done. My middle child was, at the time, my youngest child (yep, missing a whole child in the photo on my wall). My hair has changed, my kids have changed (my oldest had JUST turned 2) and all in all, it's just definitely time to get them updated. And I can't sit here preaching about how important it is to have your family photos done while I sit here with a family portrait on my wall that is so outdated, it doesn't even represent my family anymore. A keepsake? Yes, it certainly is. But not an accurate representation of us now. 

3) BOUDOIR. 

• I've always been curious if I'd be any success at boudoir. If I'm being honest, I did a little skin-heavy self portrait that showed nothing by the skin of my back, and posted it on my personal Instagram. And a few of you who follow my personal account (@mrs.seksy) saw that photo and immediately expressed your interest in boudoir, as well as a few others who have asked if I offer them or when I'll be offering them. I WILL BE DOING THEM THIS YEAR, so keep your eyes peeled! It will NOT be a part of Hocus Focus Photography, as I wish to keep the nature of Hocus Focus as "family friendly" as possible. But I'm thinking of using the absolutely perfect quirk of my last name spelled backwards. YSKES = SEKSY - - - - Seksy Boudoir  (You like? Yay or nay, comment your opinion!)

4) Possible assistant to be hired. 

• Depending on how the year goes and if financial goals are met, I may be taking on an assistant to help me regularly with shoots and being my second brain when things start getting busy and little hectic. The plus side to this is I will be able to have someone who understands my vision and how I work, so we will be able to work efficiently and read each others cues. I have not found nor have put the hunt on officially yet for such a person, but an announcement will be made when I'm ready to do so. 

5) Workshops / Products for Photographers

• It's always been a goal of mine to host a workshop, offer mentoring, or offer a product to help streamline the workflow or editing style of other photographers. No, not to have them copy me; to HELP them find their own voice and style in the photography world. Up until now I have not been confident enough in teaching others; I am entirely self taught so my journey has taken a little longer than most. I am a hands on learner and love figuring things out via trial and error, and even though the process has been slow, it's been successful. I've had several requests over the last year on whether I'll be offering any workshops, and I am finally feeling ready enough to be able to start with some basic workshops, possibly in the summer when the outdoors makes an easy-to-learn classroom. Stay tuned for that, also. 

 Okay. So whether these are all resolutions or just goals (tomato, to-mah-to) these are a few of the things on my plate for this year that I plan on conquering this year. What about you? Do you have any big goals or plans for this year? Even if it's something as simple as, "I will not neglect folding the laundry for more than 3 days" (that would honestly be a big one for me!) If you, like me, need updated family photos, well you know who you're gonna call ;) right? 

 Thusly, I will finish this first post of 2018 with (a few) of my favourite shots of 2017! I wish I could post them all, but I have so many and I'm sure this page is going to take a heck of a time to load as it is! 

 Thank you for an amaaaaazing 2017, I look forward to an even more awesome 2018!