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Katie Gallagher Photography in 2020 Behind the Scenes and Stats

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“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” 2020 was nothing like I thought it would be, and it was the most unexpected and challenging year I’ve faced as a small business owner. But, I’m extremely grateful for every couple I’ve met and worked with. I’m most grateful for the friendships and connections I’ve made along the way, which has always been my favorite part of this.

2020 was crazy. I spent almost all of it holed up inside my house. So, I honestly don’t have a ton of behind-the-scenes footage.

But, when I wasn’t home, I was usually at a session or wedding! Looking back over the year, there was a lot of uncertainty of what the next few weeks, especially months, would hold. That was difficult for my Type A/Enneagram 3 personality. 🙂 I have to laugh at an Instagram post where I mentioned “staying in for the next couple of weeks” at the very beginning of the pandemic. We were so naive in Phase 1 of COVID!

But, I made it through! My couples made it through, and I don’t think I can even begin to express how amazing it was to watch brides gracefully navigate wedding days and wedding plans that were nothing like their original visions. I think that was the best part of my year. Seeing my brides just so happy to be able to even get married. I’ve never been able to form such close bonds with my brides as I try to help them navigate such challenging situations. It was the silver lining to a horrible situation.

And, for the many couples who were supposed to get married this year, and didn’t, my heart is so sad for them. But, my hope is that when the time comes, I will be more skilled as a photographer, and their day will be that much more perfect.

Here are some stats from this year, and some insight into what it was like for me to as a wedding photographer during COVID.

In 2020:

I photographed 15 weddings

Moved 7 weddings to next year due to COVID

Delivered more than 16,000 images

Booked 18 weddings for the coming years (Yes, people are thinking about 2022! Bring it on!)

Got COVID 0 times (As far as I know)

Published in The Well Journal and in Kentucky Bride!

Here are some photos of me working behind the scenes in 2020! I added some commentary to give you an insight into what my year looked like!

: My idea of a perfect day working at home. I spent time making my office prettier this year since I spent so much time at home. I added plants and decluttered quite a bit. Right now I’m using our old dining room table for my desk. I love it, so I don’t think I’ll make a change any time soon!

: I love venue walk-throughs. Both of the weddings I was scouting for were postponed, and one hasn’t happened yet!

: Last-minute decision to head to Nashville for Julie Paisley to do some headshots for me. I desperately needed a haircut, but I figured something was better than nothing! I’ve been able to use those images a lot this year.

: So glad I got a few headshots done before COVID rolled in!

: Some of the first masks I bought for wedding days- they did not stand up to the challenge! It was so awkward to wear a masks at weddings at first, when the guidelines were very unclear, and no one else was wearing them. I received dirty looks, and a variety of rude remarks. But, that didn’t last long.

: I use iPhone shots to quickly photograph my details photos so I can see what I should change, and if I like how it’s photographing. Somehow it’s better than just looking with my eyes.

: One of my bride’s, Julia, gave me her bouquet from her bridal portrait session. It was the kindest, most thoughtful thing a bride has ever done for me, and I’ll never forget it. She has a heart of pure gold. I regret not drying these to keep forever!

: I didn’t often have a second shooter by my side this year, so I’m thankful for the images Allie captured of me behind the scenes!

: My favorite part of the day- bridal portraits!!

: My hand-painted pink backdrop for portraits! I didn’t get to use it much this year (#covid), but have plans to purchase more and offer more creative bridal portraits for my brides! I even took this to a bride’s getting ready location!

: On wedding days, as you might notice in the photos, I wear the same thing over and over. I alternate through about four dresses that are all navy and black. I like them a little long so I can move freely. I also wear my Rothy’s to every wedding! Here is my step count! I love seeing my step count at the end of wedding days.

: Working on my details photos with peonies from my Mom! Audrey Rose asked me to beta test her details course this year, and it’s made all the difference for my clients! (Ignore wonky iphone colors!)

: More masks. Some of my favorite ones, even though they are too bright, they did the job.

: One of my bride’s, Michelle, gifted me a beautiful houseplant with a white pot after her engagement session. She included the sweetest note. These kind of things keep me going!!

: Venue walk-throughs with clients turned friends.

I just want to say THANK YOU to anyone reading this, to my clients, friends, and family. I don’t know what 2021 will hold, but we made it through 2020!

Read more related blog posts!

KATIE GALLAGHER PHOTOGRAPHY’S 2020 GOALS

MY 2020 WORD OF THE YEAR

DECEMBER 2020 GOALS