Two Years of Blogging and What I am Still Learning

What I Have Learned, What I have Accomplished, and What I Still Haven't Figured Out

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I can't even believe that as of December 9, 2022 it will be exactly 2 years since I posted my first photo on Instagram, which essentially started my blogging and influencing journey! In many ways I am starting to feel like I got the hang of it, but in some ways I still like such a newbie.

My first year was really about figuring out the tools and equipment I needed, organizational methods for everything, and just trying to balance it all. This year I focused on developing all social media channels, being judicious when choosing collaborations, and building my community. I had some amazing firsts this year and can't wait to see what this next year has in store!

First Pictures Posted

In case you needed a reminder, here is a short walk down memory lane with the first pictures I ever posted. I went from weird and awkward poses, to discovering portrait mode, to trying out creative tutorials I found online.

This was one of the first pictures I ever posted. There was another one, but I deleted it because it was so cringy! Notice the clear lighting...

This was from my first Holiday Bucket List last year. I was sweating in this sweater but I was determined to look the part in this photo.

This was the first Instagram picture Nick ever took and the first one that really "exploded" with engagement. It was still pre-lightroom, but I worked hard to make that pink pop.

This photo is my only mirror selfie on my feed. But it was also the first time I discovered portrait mode on my camera!

You can see the pictures getting clearer with portrait mode! This was also the first time Chewie made an appearance on the feed.

It took my mom and I over an hour try to and get this picture. I saw a tutorial on reels and tried so hard to recreate this. We almost got it!

Equipment Updates

I got a camera! For my first year, I used my iPone exclusively for video and pictures, but added this camera to my Christmas list (and made it known that it was the one item I really wanted). Let me first say that I do not have a photography background and had no real experience with a real camera before using one, and there was definitely a learning curve. I started with shooting on automatic becuase I had no idea what I was doing, but have since moved to manual. However, I pretty much stay on my saved settings and only adjust the aperture as needed.
The Cannon Connect app finally got an update. This is the app that I use when I take my own pictures using the camera. The app connects to your phone and you can control everything while shooting your images. However, up until this recent update, the app was super glitchy. And if the app wasn't working, I essentially couldn't shoot on my own.
I also upgraded my iPhone. I previously had the iPhone 11 and while it was fine for taking pictures, the video quality was not as great any more. This year, we grabbed the iPhone 13Pro when it was released and the changes in the video quality are unbelievable. I love having the ability to film in cimematic mode when needed. I also have started doing some user generated content for brands and I am happy to be able to send videos that are much better quality.

First time for camera app (skirt and Twister tree)

First time mom used it (800 pictures form one scene, purple dress and wall)

Shutter speed issue and apature (all pink dress and shoes)

Foggy lens (pink romper)

When you get it just right (slip dress and boots)

Most reach picture

2nd Year Milestones

At the end of last year, I saw a bunch of creators posting their milestones for the year including collaborations and earnings. While I think some of it can be taboo I wanted to try and cover some of these topics because it can be very interesting!

Earnings: I didn't make much the first year, so I set a goal for myself to make at least $5,000 during my second year. As of November I had easily cleared this. Earnings come from a combination of commission from links, collaborations on all social media platforms, and user generated content for brands. I am still working on a goal for next year, but I am thinking at lest double.
UGC (user generated content):