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Um wow ok I guess I’m doing this, or rather, I guess we’re doing this. I wasn’t sure if I was going to write a reflective post this year, but after reading a few from some of my favorite bloggers, I figured why not? Let’s chat about 2016.
Going into the year, I was blogging about strictly food, with the majority of recipes being 30 minutes or less. I was freelancing for Paleohacks and Green Blender and teaching barre at The Barre Code. All and all, I was happy, and just hoping to continue loving my work, while making a bit more money doing so. While I’d say I successfully did just that (and that’s a good thing!), that’s about all I did. I didn’t really push myself outside of my comfort zone in 2016, I didn’t challenge myself to blog more frequently or to work on any major projects. So, like I said in this post, while I think it’s ok to be content, when you’re running your own business, you HAVE to push yourself outside your comfort zone.
One thing I did do? Spend more time on my photography. I wrote an ebook on Food Photography for Bloggers on a Budget and the responses from those who have bought the book have been nothing short of amazing. Shameless plug: if you’re just starting out and are looking for detailed photography tips, do’s and don’t’s, you should consider purchasing it. OK I’M DONE I SWEAR.
During the year, I picked up another freelance gig developing recipes for Bizzy Coffee, which was another great experience. I attended the Brunchshop hosted by How Sweet Eats (more on that at the end of this post), and I practiced, practiced, practiced my photography. I kept seeing photos and thinking, 'how do they do that?’ I was intrigued by darker photography but unsure how to accomplish it. One thing I learned is that you’re never going to accomplish something if you don’t at least try. So, I tried it, and now I’m hooked! Again, I still feel like I'm constantly learning, but that's why I love it so much--it challenges me in the best ways.
Here’s a photo from November 2015 vs. December 2016:
WHOA. Yes, I did purchase a new camera in February 2016, but the lens is the same.
What’s changed with the blog since the beginning of 2016? Well, a few things actually.
1) I love baking cakes! No seriously, who knew? I certainly didn’t, but I’m grateful for this new-found love. I love making other things too and I try to provide a variety of recipes, so making cakes isn’t exactly something that happens on a weekly basis, but they might be [one of] my favorite thing to make. And, not even just cakes, but I became much more of a baker in 2016. Woohoo! Which means that….
2) My recipes can’t necessarily be made in 30 minutes or less. A rebrand is on my to-do list for this upcoming year, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: I think I’m just a regular food blog at this point. For awhile I was workouts+healthy recipes then I was healthy and quick recipes and now I’m some strange mix of healthy and not healthy (sometimes you just mascarpone, ya know?). I’ll come up with a catchier headline than ‘just a regular food blog’, but essentially, that’s what I want to be because I enjoy baking, and most baked recipes take longer than 30 minutes. And heck, now that I know I enjoy baking (except cookies—still working on loving those), I can’t not bake because it makes me happy, despite the fact that it sometimes takes hours just to make a cake (so fun though! no sarcasm).
3) I experimented with dark photography, because why not? I wrote off dark photography for awhile because it looked to difficult, but guys, all you do is make sure less light is shining through the window. WHOA, totally crazy idea, I know. <—only half sarcasm.
4) I acquired my first blog ambassadorship. For those unaware, an ambassadorship is when you work with a brand on a long-term basis. I was grateful to have Dave’s Killer Bread (aka the best bread ever) reach out and ask me to be a part of their program, where I was able to create recipes using their product. It was a great experience and something I’m proud of and hoping to get to do again next year (we’ll see!).
And, because I know you love lists, here’s a list of things 2016 taught me:
1) Set a price and stick to it
Let me quickly get this off my chest: STOP LOWERING YOUR PRICES FOR BRANDS. Just stop it. I did it for far too long, and it’s absolutely pointless. You are worth the amount you have set for yourself, so when a brand tells you they can’t afford it, WALK AWAY. It’s important to set a price and not back down, because sticking behind your price shows the brand that you’re serious and that you’re to be taken as a professional who is good at his or her job. Simply state your rate, and if it’s not within their budget, tell them you understand, and that you hope to work together in the future. Who knows, maybe some brands will even reconsider once they continue to see the quality of your work.
2) Aside from blogging, it’s good to have other income sources
This may just be me, but I think it’s a little scary to just rely on blogging for 100 percent of your income. Why? Because it’s inconsistent, unpredictable and therefore, a bit scary at times. I’m forever grateful to have found regular freelance opportunities so that I’m able to have an amount each month that I know I’ll be making. I’m also still barre-obsessed, and though I don’t teach as often as I did at the beginning of 2016, I’m happy to have that side gig. If blogging ever seems too unpredictable, find other things that are predictable, which will eliminate a bit of stress that can come from blogging.
3) Find your “thing” (or things) and do it well
Everyone has one or two parts of blogging that they enjoy the most, whether it be writing, photography, social media, videography or what have you, and do it well. Practice that thing until you become an expert. It will take hours and days and weeks, but since this is your favorite thing, it shouldn’t really feel like work. Once you’ve practiced, you should be able to pursue other opportunities, like freelance writing/photography/social media (see #2) for extra income and a portfolio-builder!
4) UTILIZE SOCIAL MEDIA, she said to herself
Oh my gosh, I’m the worst millennial ever! So what did I do? I hired Jess to help with my social, because I’m so bad at keeping up with it all. For now, my main focus is on Instagram and Pinterest, IG because it’s where I’m able to engage best with my followers, and Pinterest because that’s what drives the most traffic to my site. Oh and also because they’re both visual platforms, which I love. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with trying to keep up with social/the many tasks of blogging, consider hiring someone to help you, even if just for a few hours per week.
Exciting news!!
Wow, did you actually just read all of that? MAJOR APPLAUSE because that was total word vomit. So, back to the Brunchshop topic that I said we’d come back to…. Jessica from How Sweet Eats reached out to me back in October and asked me to help her style the photos for her upcoming cookbook!!!! It’s a dream, really. I’m a huge fan of hers, and styling/photographing a cookbook is a career goal of mine, so to be able to help her style her second cookbook is something I’m absolutely looking forward to doing. In short, making virtual and real life connections is super important, because you never know where they’ll take you.
I feel like I completely left out the “what to expect in 2017” part of this post, but essentially you’ll continue to see plenty of more recipes, some healthy and some not, along with a few photography tutorials (assuming that’s something you want to see?) and maybe a weekly post showcasing my favorite findings from around the web. Who knows! I’m bad at committing to weekly posts other than recipes, but again, if this sounds likes something you’d like to see, let me know because I’d like to add a tiny more variety to the site.
YAY. I’m excited for the year to come and thank you from the bottom of my heart for following along for all these months/years. I would be no where without YOU! Xoxoxo
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness says
Love this post! I follow you on IG and definitely admire your food photography on the regular. One of my blogging goals for this year is to improve my photography, so the next thing I'm about to do is check out your ebook! I got a new camera for Christmas that I think will allow me to do a lot more with my food + travel photography... now I just need to learn how to use it! Congrats to you on all of your accomplishments from the year, and Happy 2017!
Ashley | Fit Mitten Kitchen says
Oh em GEE SO SO SO EXCITED FOR YOU. I'm shouting because you are amazing. I've loved seeing the change in your style of photography and you know that I LOVE seeing you bake! I will trade you some cookies for cake 😀
Also, major congrats on working with Jessica! Gosh that is so amazing. Cheers to another awesome year for you Erin!
Katie @ 24 Carrot Life says
You have a accomplished so much this past year and it's been awesome to see your style evolve. Such amazing news that you'll be helping Jessica with her cookbook. I can't wait to see how it turns out!
Georgie says
All the hard work has paid off because your photography is simply stunning. I'm so happy for you about the styling gig!!! You're amazing Erin
Les @ The Balanced Berry says
It has been SO fun watching your content evolve. Your photos are seriously breathtaking and I can't wait to see more. And hi HUGE congratulations working with Jess to style her book. That's going to be such an amazing experience!
Christine | thyme & toast says
Love everything about this!! Congratulations on working on the How Sweet Eats cookbook! I've loved following along on your blogging journey this past year.. Your photography is incredible and inspires me so much! Seriously, I have a list of a few bloggers that I totally look up to, and you are one of them! Can't wait to see what you accomplish in 2017 🙂
Erin says
I'm sobbing tears of joy--thank you for your kind words Christine!! Cheers to 2017 for sure 🙂
Sarah | Well and Full says
Reading this post was a joy - you've improved SO MUCH (especially in your photography) in the past year! And I can't wait to see what 2017 brings for you 🙂
Erin says
Thanks so much Sarah--that means a lot!
Jess @hellotofit says
Omgomgomg I was holding my breath until the news part, and YAY!!!! If I could type in bigger all caps, I would....SO SO SO proud of you, and hope you can at least tell how how it's going along the way! I think I've told you this before (sorry not sorry), but I love seeing how your photography progresses. Dark photography is so intriguing to me, but I'm still trying to work on photography with lots of light :P. Okay I'm typing too much. You are awesome, and thanks for the mention re: social media! xoxoxo
Erin says
Um DUH. Thanks so much Jess--your excitement for me makes me SO happy. xoxoxo
Lindsay says
It's been amazing to see you evolve and like a butterfly, really define your beauty! Yes I'm Corny. I love the photography, I love your cakes, I love your passion for life. Excited for you and working with Jess. ❤
Erin says
Thanks Corny Cotter 😀 I like your corniness, and appreciate your kind words!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food says
I love the dark photography and that's so awesome about your new project! 2016 was a great year for me personally, but I'm even more excited to see what 2017 holds!
Erin says
SAME. Thanks for your continued support, Kelly!
Emilie @ Emilie Eats says
Thank you for all of the in-depth insight! I've loved watching your blog evolve this year - especially the dark photography. I'm totally into moodier shots but avoid it sometimes out of fear that it won't be shared as much as the bright photos. But whatever - I'll do what I love!
How exciting to work with Jessica!! Congrats! I definitely have learned a little bit more about what I do and do not want to do moving forward. Like, I may not want to blog completely full-time - I love PR and would love to have a job that is consistent. Blogging can just be a supplement!
Erin says
I love that, Emilie! You do you girl. Also re: dark photos, I must admit they typically don't get shared as often (I think because they don't stand out as much on Pinterest?), BUT I love them. Thanks for your kind words 🙂
Alicia @Bridges Through Life says
Sounds like an awesome year for you. I have loved reading along and watching your site grow. Happy new year.
Erin says
Thank you Alicia!!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
That's awesome news girl! I'm absolutely intrigued by your photography. I don't think there's any way I could do darker photos living in Arizona when it's sunny ALL THE TIME. I love yours!
Erin says
Thanks Megan! 🙂 You totally could--you'd just have to shoot at times when there isn't much sun! Easier said than done, I know.
Sarah says
It has been so much fun to watch you grow and evolve this past year, Erin. I love that you aren't afraid to do what inspires you and makes you happy. That's what it's all about!
And OMG, HUGE congrats on working for How Sweet Eats!! What an amazing opportunity! I can't wait to see the beauty that comes out of that collaboration. I know it's going to be incredible!
Erin says
Thank you Sarah!! Thanks for your continued support, and cheers to doing what makes ya happy in 2017 🙂
Isabel says
Congratulations on such a great year! You've always been an inspiration and continue to be one. This is such an amazing post with some tried and true advice. Cheers to 2016 and another successful year for you!
Erin says
Thank you Isabel!! 🙂 and cheers to this year for you too!
Marcy says
Wow, I love the darker photo that you shared. I would be interested in seeing a tutorial on this, maybe with a side by side comparison on the same shot with different settings/different amounts of light. Happy new year, and congratulations on your new project!
Erin says
Thanks Marcy! I'd be happy to share that in a future post. I also share a bunch of examples like that in my ebook (at the top of my site).
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie says
OMG ERIN! That is beyond exciting!! Cannot wait to see what you create with Jessica!
Erin says
Thank you Brie!! 🙂
Heather @Lunging Through Life says
Yay!! So excited for you in this new project. That is huge and so fun. I'm loving the dark photography.. but how don't you like cookies! ahhh I love love love them! Too much, lol. Can't wait to see what 2017 has in store.
Erin says
Hhah well I LOVE cookies, mine just rarely turn out right when I make them myself (going to work on it this year, though!). Thank you Heather!