James Stokes Photography: 3 years and counting

So I was daring enough to look back at the first blog posts I ever made on this blog, not really knowing where it would go or how I would change through it all. I can't believe it has been three years. Where has the time gone? This seems to be the theme of my life right now, thank God I have photos. My children have grown up right in front of me, school is winding up, which has been the most challenging journey of my life. I am ready to be done for a while. Seven years of undergraduate is more than enough! My dreams for grad school are going to have to wait- my oldest needs his dad to teach him about God, numbers, ancestors, and of course history. With our newest arrival coming this winter, I am looking forward to yet another chapter of life with our baby. (He does not have a name yet, but we are still taking suggestions). I plan of spending my winter working on research, starting and actually finishing a book for leisure, playing with the kiddos, and taking my wife on an actual date that does not revolve around our jobs as photographers. We are looking forward to getting back into the swing of small group and growing closer to God. We are in the process of seeing where God would like us to be as a family in 5 more years. WE ARE SO BLESSED! As the wedding season is drawing to a close, I already looking forward to next summer and the adventures we will be on. I have kept many of my weddings off the web this summer. Since I allow my clients to pick their favorites, I am waiting on a few to select their must-have-edits. My life in this chair is moving me to want to shoot film- a whole new expense, something that might now fit into my total money makeover. More about that later. I have decided I need to share more of my life on here, the blog itself does bare my name and I don't really care to change it. Every photograph I take is more or less a self portrait. I believe that, but I don't really know what I think of the photos that don't turn out the way I want them- yes that happens, I am not perfect. Where do I want to be with my business in another three years? I know, but I am not telling just yet- I gave God the eraser so we never know. Since every post deserves some eye candy, here is a few from my afternoon out in the Northwoods cold. :) More coming soon of course.