Do you know what a “vision board” is?  I didn’t until just recently, when I joined a local business “Mastermind” group hosted by Inspire Business Community .   (More on this group in another blog post!)   A vision board is essentially a visual graphic that represents the goals and vision for my life and my business.   It describes what I do and why I do it.  Ideally, a vision board should be displayed somewhere that I can see it on a regular basis and be reminded of why I am doing what I’m doing!

I decided to create two vision boards – one for my business and one for my family.  The following is the vision board I created for my business, LVR Portraits.

The background for this image is a representation of my branding – “Linen & Lace”.  The colors represent the simplicity of how I want my photography to look.  Timeless, classic, and beautiful.  At the top is my logo and the font that I use in my branding.  Beneath that is a new “tagline” that describes what I do and whom I do it for!  “Fine-art newborn photography for professional moms & miracle babies.”  In the middle is a quote by Brene Brown that expresses my heart…  “Creativity is the way I share my soul with the world.”  I actually just came across this quote recently, but I felt like it resonated with my motivations and desires.  I truly put a little piece of my soul into every photograph and piece of artwork that I create!

The image on the bottom right is one of my favorite images.  It captures the very essence of my newborn photography style – soft light, neutral colors, soft textures, and creamy baby skin.  This image is on the front of my business cards.

On the right side is a list of actions that reflect what it is I do as a newborn photographer.  My job is so much more than simply taking pretty pictures.  It is my desire to create beauty, to preserve memories, to tell the story of each tiny baby that comes through my doors.  I want the artwork I create to cultivate a sense of belonging in the families I serve.  I want to cherish the fragileness life, capturing every tiny detail of these tiny beings, and documenting the immeasurable love between a parent and a child.  I want to build friendships with my clients that allow me to support their families through the excitement of welcoming new life into the world.  And most of all, through everything I do, I want to share God’s heart with those in my circle of influence and reflect HIS glory in my life.

Lastly, the quote at the bottom is one I have loved for a very long time.  Eric Liddell was an Olympic runner back in the 1920’s.  He was also training to go to China as a missionary.   At one point, someone asked him why he was wasting his time running when clearly God’s will was that he be in China.  Liddell’s response was this:  “God made me for China.  But he also made me fast.  And when I run, I feel his pleasure.”  This quote reminds me that every passion and talent and ability I possess has been given to me by God, and I want to use them for His glory!

This next vision board is the one I created for my FAMILY…

At the top right is a picture of my family – 4 darling boys and one incredible husband!  Photo credit:  Sally Belle Photography.  On the left side is a list (not exhaustive) of all the qualities that I desire to be a part of our home.  In the middle is a graphic (credit Joyful Art Designs) that I have displayed in my kitchen.  It is a reminder of the characteristics that I wish to be present in my own life and heart.   It’s also a reminder that these qualities are fruits of the Holy Spirit.  On my own accord, I am incapable of being loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle or self-controlled!  It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit of God that I am able to display these qualities to my children and my husband.

On the right side of my vision board is a verse from Ephesians 4:1-3.  It’s a reminder to me that this whole job of parenting is a CALLING.  And my prayer is that God might give me the strength to fulfill this calling on my life.  AND that I might do so “with all humility & gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”

Lastly, the quote from Dr. John Trainer reminds me that my children & my family are my highest priority – parenting them is the MOST important work God has given me to do, despite the distractions of every-day life!

If you would like to learn more about LVR Portraits or if you are interested in booking your own newborn photography session, please contact me HERE.  I would love to connect with you!