DRESS: Alexis, sold out – similar style here/SANDALS: Alexandre Birman/EARRINGS: Devon Leigh, but I also love Jennifer Behr, Lizzie Fortunato and Lele Sadoughi jewelry/BAG: (℅) Pamela Munson

Fashion photography overload.

My head’s still spinning from the three week photography course I took at Istituto Marangoni Miami: photo editing, content planning and shooting models all the while wrestling my normal day-to-day. Even with the nerve-wrecking moments + late nights working, I couldn’t be more thankful to have stepped back for three weeks. The course added so much value to the passion work I get to do… every single day. I haven’t felt this fulfilled in quite some time…

Let’s hit rewind.

I started this season with one exciting trip after the next, which looked a lot like waking up before sunrise to shoot content and sleeping way after sunset to answer emails. I was encountering (still am) big, new changes work hurled at me. Taking over photography, hiring help, learning to delegate (I’ll be the first to admit – I don’t like delegating but I’m learning to let go!) and moving. In doing so, I lost track with how occupied I became. “Am I pushing my time and efforts to fulfilling the bigger picture here or am I getting caught in a web of deadlines, comparison on social media, and the busy-culture fad?”

Disclosure: I respect the hustle 100%, but I also applaud rest. Balance, right?

A few ugly breakdowns later (shout out to my incredibly patient boyfriend Pete lol), I realized I needed a break. Just sitting here typing that scares me – it makes my stomach churn. “Me? A break? Never.”

After all, someone once told me: we’re human beings not human doings… find time to just “be” every now and then.

Fast forward to now. I’ve realized intentional moments to myself (aka the past three weeks) adds value to my work. Currently, I’m focusing all my energy into something new (think: rebranding), which has helped refuel my creative energy and zest for blogging. What I’ve learned? Busy doesn’t always mean “productive.” Saying “no” is OK. Taking time to refine and develop my photography skills and brand is totally awesome.

So that’s life as I know it. Taking steps toward falling more in love with what I do… and discovering the art of just being. I hope everyone had a restful Thanksgiving!

Xo, Stephanie

P.S. – Today only, take an additional 30% of sale on Shopbop using code WOW18! (You’ll want to check out Zimmerman, IRO and Oscar de la Renta’s sales – like stat!)