A Season of Change | Sioux City Photographer’s Journey

Reflections from a Sioux City Photographer

As summer winds down, I’ve been looking back on the past year as a Sioux City photographer and everything that has unfolded — the ups, the struggles, the lessons, and the accomplishments. It’s been a year of change, clarity, and growth. I wanted to share that journey with you, both as a reflection and as an update on where I’m headed next.

May 2024: Taking the Leap

In May of last year, I went full-time into my photography and graphic design business. It was exciting and terrifying all at once. At first, I had some wonderful opportunities, but not all of them worked out. A few months later, more opportunities came, but I wasn’t in the best place mentally or emotionally. I was struggling with the weight of business decisions that didn’t serve me well.

Fall and Winter: Searching for Stability

Through the fall and into early 2025, I worked hard to make my studio space — a mix between an art gallery and portrait studio — successful. But the reality was, I couldn’t keep up with the rent. I tried everything I could, but by early 2025, I had to face the truth that downsizing was the best choice for me.

At the same time, from January through March, I was looking for part-time work to help stabilize things financially. That season gave me clarity: I had been so focused on client work because I wanted to build my gear. Now that I have everything I need, I don’t feel pressure to constantly chase business-to-client jobs.

February Highlights: A Season of Accomplishments

Even during that hard stretch, there were bright moments. In February, I traveled to Des Moines for a photography conference that inspired me creatively and connected me with others in the industry. Around that same time, I also got to visit my sister, who had just moved back from Hawaii — a highlight for me personally.

I was also participating in Leadership Siouxland, a program that pushed me to grow as a leader in my community. I graduated in May, and that experience was a true accomplishment. Along the way, I was invited to speaking engagements: one on a panel about beauty, and another sharing my story as a small business owner with youth. These moments reminded me of the impact I can make beyond just photography.

Spring: Letting Go and Moving Forward

By April, senior portrait season picked up. While the work was steady, I noticed I wasn’t connecting with my clients the same way I used to. I think part of it was the age gap, but part of it was me realizing my heart just wasn’t in that type of client work anymore.

In May, I officially made the move out of my larger studio and back into my smaller space at Three Rivers Art Gallery. It felt like a reset — not just downsizing, but realigning with what I truly want: to focus on my art.

That same month, I started a part-time job. At first, I wasn’t sure I needed it, but it turned out to be a blessing. It gave me financial stability, reduced my stress, and gave me the space to focus on the creative projects that mean the most to me.

Summer: Reconnection and Joy

This summer has been full of blessings. I worked on some amazing projects in both photography and graphic design, I traveled to Colorado for my 20-year high school reunion, and I took a trip up to Green Bay, Wisconsin. I’ve also been able to reconnect at powwows, which has brought me so much joy.

And through all of this, I’ve started leaning into art fairs and vendor opportunities to sell my artwork. It’s been rewarding to share my art directly with people and see how it connects with them.

Where I Am Now

Looking back, I see how each step — even the hard ones — has shaped where I am today. I feel confident again, more financially stable, and clearer about what I want.

Here’s what I know for sure:

• I don’t want to focus on business-to-client work anymore (senior portraits, family sessions, mini sessions).

• I’m excited to focus on business-to-business collaborations when they fit.

• Most of all, I want to pour my energy into my own artwork, photography, and creative projects — the things that inspire me deeply.

Looking Ahead

As I move into this next season, I feel at peace with letting go of what no longer serves me and leaning into what lights me up. My focus will be on creating artwork, growing as an artist, and sharing that work at art shows, galleries, and vendor fairs.

Life is good. I’m grateful for the clarity I’ve gained, the lessons I’ve learned, and the opportunities ahead. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

—Savannah