It's almost April 2021. How is that possible?!! / March 26, 2021 by Shana Berenzweig

Love this very 2020 photo I took of my clients for their holiday cards.

I wish I could blame the pandemic and 2020 on me only writing 3 blog posts all last year. But if you’ve been following me for a while, you know that isn’t true.

The fact is I suck at blogging.

Every year I sincerely want to do better and this year is no different. I started this post back at the end of December, but for whatever lame reason only now came back and was able to finish it up.

I don’t know why I have such a hard time finishing all the posts I start, but I’m working on changing that (I actually have several posts juuust about finished, on a range of topics, so keep an eye out). I know part of my problem is wanting things to be “perfect” and often struggling to find the “perfect” words or images.

Or feeling pressure that as a photographer I should stick to topics related to that and my business, but as a human being that has more than one dimension, I’d like to write and share about a whole lot more than just my photography, but is anyone even reading and interested? Does that even matter? Why am I letting this stop me from writing about whatever I want?

I’m sure there are even more just these things contributing to my mental roadblock, but I determined to make 2021 the ‘year of Shana blogging more.’

So, if y’all have any tips or tricks on completing all the different things we start, drop ‘em in the comments below. Lord knows I could use the help.

Anyhoo, this was originally supposed to be a short and sweet ‘Happy New Year!’ post, but seeing how it’s the end of March, instead I’ll make it a short and sweet ‘Woohoo, It’s Finally Spring And More And More People Are Getting Their Covid Vaccinations and Maybe, Just Maybe, There’s A Light At The End Of The Tunnel!’ post.

This is also the perfect time to schedule an outdoor session. It’s not too hot out yet, the wildflowers are blooming, and trees are getting all full and green again. So get in touch today if you’ve been thinking about booking a session of any kind.

And as everything starts opening up more and more, I’m hoping to get a few spring/summer specials planned, so make sure y’all are signed up for my newsletter, as subscribers always get first dibs on spots and other special subscriber-only perks.

That’s all I’ve got for now — proof of life and some pretty pics — but fingers-crossed, I should be back with more soon!

Riding solo / October 1, 2018 by Shana Berenzweig

“So is it just you and your dog?”

“Where’s your husband?”

“Are you meeting up with friends?”

“Wait, you’re out here all by yourself?”

“I could never do that, don’t you get scared?”

These are just a few of the questions I get asked pretty much every single solo trip I take. Both from well-meaning friends at home and strangers I encounter on the road.

Somewhere in western New Mexico, September 2018

I realize that the vast majority of these people are asking from a place of love and concern. And it is always nice to know people care about you and are interested in your life.

But.

(There’s always a “but,” isn’t there?)

Sometimes it feels like they are projecting their fears, insecurities, and judgements on me.

I’ve written about traveling solo before (here and here), but it feels like society gives women only three options for travel: with a significant other, usually a man; for work; or with friends or family. The notion of solo female travel, even in 2018, still feels radical somehow. Or at least based on the responses I’ve experienced.

Not nearly often enough does someone lead with “Wow, that’s awesome, I’m jealous!” or share their own solo adventures, or something similarly positive. This generally applies to acquaintances and strangers, but either way I wish more folks would start with this sentiment, rather than one that is fear-based.

“Do you have a gun?”

“Do you wear a fake wedding ring so people won’t think you are alone?”

“How can you trust strangers?”

These are a few more of the types of questions I get asked all the time as if I don’t take any precautions when I set out alone. Just because I don’t want fear to control my life, doesn’t mean I don’t take steps to stay safe. For example, I always tell someone my itinerary and check in when I get somewhere. I also always trust my gut and if a stranger’s demeanor is shady or their questions too invasive, I’ll lie about my travel plans and details. Even though I’m a proud independent woman doesn’t mean I am stupid.

But.

(Y’all knew there’d be another “but.”)

I wonder how often a solo man on the road gets asked any of these questions?

Grand Canyon National Park North Rim, Arizona | August 2018

Back soon with more photos from this summer’s epic seven state roadtrip!

Hiding out / February 1, 2018 by Shana Berenzweig

"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen."

— Brene Brown

Self-portrait with my girl | Austin, TX | Jan 2018

Last April, I wrote about how I was gonna show up and be seen.

Inspired by the quote above, I promised myself I'd do better by setting some intentions for 2017.

More blogging.

More self-portraits.

More vulnerability.

I thought about writing more blog posts and taking more self-portraits.

I thought about showing up and being seen.

But instead.

I hid out.

Self-portrait in my new home | Austin, TX | Oct 2017

Well, here we are. Another new year.

Another attempt at intentions.

At doing better.

And more blogging and self-portraits and showing up and being seen.

So, here I am. Again.

I can only go up from here.

Right?

P.S. At the time, I hated it, but this self-portrait has really grown on me. I almost love it now. Maybe in a year, I'll feel the same way about the one here.

P.P.S. Dear sweet and loyal clients. I really am planning and hoping to find time to do more client blog posts. Y'all are all so lovely and deserve a moment to shine.

Showing up / May 1, 2017 by Shana Berenzweig

"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen."

— Brene Brown

Self-portrait with my squad | Austin, TX | April 2017

I wrote about this on Instagram yesterday, but since I'm trying this whole blogging thing now, figured I should share here, too. Right?

So, I'm not really big on resolutions, but at the start of the year, I was inspired by the quote above to set some intentions for 2017. Not really big on self-portraits either, but since growing as a photographer was also on the intentions wish list, here I am, showing up and letting myself be seen.

Confessions: I only took this photo because of a workshop I've been taking and should be posting it simply because I like it, not because of the teacher's positive feedback (and confidence it gave me). I also took an embarrassing amount of shots to get this halfway decent one that I only kinda sorta like. That nice gallery wall is the only wall decorated in that room.

While only a baby step, gonna keep trying this whole showing up and letting myself be seen in all its good, bad, and ugliness. 👊🏻

Promises I don't intend to keep / April 28, 2017 by Shana Berenzweig

Blogging. A journal. Whatever y'all want to call it, I'm givin' it a-go.

Again.

I tried once upon a time, but it quickly fizzled out.

And that may happen again.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

This time around, though, I'm only giving myself one rule.

And that'll be that there will be no rules.

Daily or weekly posts?

No, thanks.

Gonna post when I feel like it. No more, no less.

I might write some words along with posting pictures.

Or I might not.

I'll definitely be sharing more of my client work.

And I'll definitely be sharing other things, too.

But that's it. That's all I really know for sure.

'Cause simply said, not gonna make any promises that I don't intend to keep.

Other than being myself.

Oh, and sharing more photos of my dog than y'all probably care to see.

If y'all are new to me and my work, learn a little more about me here.

I don't expect there to be lots of readers. But to those who do follow along, thanks, I'm very grateful for y'alls support.

Now go have a happy weekend, friends! See y'all when I see y'all.