Looking back at 2013

It's safe to say that 2013 has been the best and most challenging year of my life. From quitting a horrible job in order to pursue a happier lifestyle, to finally feeling like I've found a career I love, to getting engaged to the love of my life... it's been an exciting and terrifying year with memories and experiences I'll cherish forever.

2013 has been the year of taking risks. After two years of sitting in a cubicle at a horrible job that made me miserably unhappy, I decided to quit my full time job in order to pursue something that made me happy. I had two months of unemployment to reevaluate my life, and this time off helped me recharge and figure out who I wanted to be. It was terrifying not knowing where my next rent check would come from, but thanks to the support of my amazing family and Jack, I was able to remove myself from a toxic environment and take the necessary step to making myself happy.

It's been the year of "firsts". This year has surprised me by handing me a load of new experiences, new friends, and new adventures that I never imagined I would have. From starting my own business to meeting my photographic idol, I've been blown away by the unbelievable opportunities that I've been blessed with. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be able to assist an amazing fine art photographer, which would open doors to so many other life changing opportunities. I never imagined I would be building my own business and have the chance to photograph one wedding, let alone two, and be able to learn from so many other photographers as a second shooter. I never ever believed that I would be able to learn from Jose Villa at one of his workshops and be able to sit in a room with so many other unbelievable photographers as their peer. From having my first "official" photo shoot in January to manning my own business with weekends fully booked with shoots, this year has been a year of tremendous growth.

It's been the year of imbalance. In January I decided to unofficially (read: made a facebook page) start a photography business. I book portrait shoots up the wazoo and learned that I could pursue this hobby as an actual career, but never thought it would happen so fast. I booked my first wedding through a random facebook connection, which started my journey of gaining experience in the wedding industry. I booked second shooting gigs and another wedding as a lead photographer, and before I knew it my weekends were packed with weddings and lifestyle shoots. It was so exciting and I couldn't believe I was actually pursing my dreams. But with all of this exciting new work on my plate, I found myself struggling to find a happy balance between building my portfolio, working a day job, spending time with my friends and family, and finding time for me. Before I knew it I was over whelmed and over worked, which lead to countless nights blowing off friends to stay up way too late editing. The few times that I have spent time with friends has left me feeling so rejuvenated and happy, and I know that in order to keep myself sane in 2014, I need to make time to unwind and relax. I know that I need to dedicate myself to my business and I'm so excited to keep pursing this dream, but I can't do it at the expense of my sanity and friendships.

It's been the year of new beginnings. In August, Jack got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. After 10 years of knowing each other, this new change to our relationship has opened so many doors to the amazing future we'll have. We've always known we were going to get married, but now that it's on the horizon and actually happening we are even more exciting to start our lives together as husband and wife.

I'm so excited for the new year and all that it will bring, and I'm so grateful for the amazing year behind us!

2013 in photos

After yesterday's saga of the 2013 year in review, I wanted to reflect once again on the year but through photos and the best memories of each month. 

January: Unofficially started my own photography business and filled every weekend with a photo shoot. Experienced Sundance Film Festival by waiting in long lines and crashing hollywood parties. 

February: Had a relaxing weekend get-a-way exploring Occidental and the Northern coast

March: Celebrated turning 25 with a surprise party with the most amazing friends. Avoided a quarter life crisis by watching the sun set over the ocean and telling hilarious stories around a campfire. 

April: Quit my miserable job. 

May: Surprised myself by crushing 25 miles on my backpacking trip during my first visit to Yosemite. 

June: Second shot my first wedding. 

Snagged an amazing part time job, and enjoyed my last weeks of unemployment with a two week vacation in Utah, enjoying our Park City house and exploring breathtaking Zion National Park.

July: Celebrated 4th of July with great friends, good food, and lots of fireworks. 

Celebrated our sweet friends' wedding.

August: Got engaged to the love of my life

September: Attended the most amazing workshop held by my idol, Jose Villa, and met so many inspiring photographers. 

Photographed my first wedding as the lead shooter.  

Lived my lifelong dream of living in New York during a week long work visit (and found out a week was enough time there for me).

October

Became an official small business owner by registering Anna Marks Photography with the city of San Francisco. 

November

Had the most amazing engagement celebration with our loving friends and family. 

Photographed my second wedding as the lead photographer.

December: Had the most epic Jack and Anna Funday exploring Pescadero, where we discovered a place called Pie Ranch, claimed a deserted small beach as our own, and stumbled upon a truly magical Christmas fair, complete with goat cheese, DIY wreaths, a folk band, and local artisans selling crafts. Spent an amazing week in Park City with my amazing family, relaxing, recharging, and refocusing on what's important.