2019

Friends - 

I wanted to let you know that Indigo & Co Photography will be on hold for 2019. The last couple of years have been a roller coaster of ups and downs with a lot of financial struggle mixed in. I have made the incredibly difficult decision to put the business on hold for now. I'm working a full-time job to get my feet under me again and to take a break from the stress of the business. Of course I love photography and felt so incredibly fortunate to be doing what I loved, but when inquiries dropped off in July and didn't pick up again in the fall - normally the busiest season of the year, when I make 50% of my annual income - I just didn't have the savings to make it through another tough season. The depression was strong, the expenses of the business looming, and my personal financial situation terrifying. Ultimately, I just didn't have a choice. 

Oddly, it feels almost like a breakup. One of those 'I love you, but it just isn't working' situations. Something just had to give - the relationship had become mentally and emotionally unhealthy, despite the big dreams of what it 'could' be. One of the hardest parts of being a business owner is balancing the unbridled optimism that drives you ever day to keep working through the struggle and believe that 'one day' the business will finally get there against accepting failure. It ain't easy. And anyone who says that failure is great is lying. I mean, I get what they're *trying* to say, but in reality it is among the worst feelings I've ever experienced. It sucks. Bad.

At this point, I'm working on finding a new tenant for the studio. It is too heartbreaking to even go into that space, so it is sitting empty now while I go to work or edit from home on evenings/weekends. If you or anyone you can think of might be interested, internet is already installed and ready to go, and the lease is in place until November of 2019. It has been an absolutely beautiful space and I'm sure will be a great home for the next business to move in.

To my dear clients: I am so thankful for you. For your trust in me to document some of the most important milestones in your lives and businesses. I know I haven't had a very speedy turn around record, but it's because I gave each and every one of you my complete focus and energy, and I simply could not have done it any other way. I would like to let you know that there will be NO CHANGE my file storage situation. I still have every single photo backed up and will continue to host client galleries at kozelsky.smugmug.com, so nothing will be deleted/removed/etc. Everything will stay as it is. Likewise, any commitments I already have to shoots already scheduled or photos to deliver will ABSOLUTELY continue on as promised. There is no change to any existing commitments I already have.

At this point, I am not emotionally ready to consider any new work; the thought of it is anxiety-inducing and just brings up all kinds of sad, swirly emotions. In a few months, I might be willing to start considering one or two weddings with the *perfect* clients again, but for now I just can't fathom the idea of working for any clients at all. I've been trying to focus on a personal project instead - a photo-a-day 60 day challenge. You're welcome to follow along on Instagram if you like (@indigokristin)

It's been hard, and I've been reluctant to admit publicly what has happened, but there it is. I'm starting to feel ok with it, as long as I don't talk about it too much. Again - oddly like a breakup. 

Anyway, thanks for the years of support. It would've been 9 years in March. 

Much love <3