Elizabeth Moore - You are so right. I cater to traditionally young clients and have found that I have to focus my efforts on other endeavors, because blogs just aren't being read by my clients. Glad to see I'm not the only one. Best of luck!
Lynn Cobb - Ahhh! I can always rely on your and your honesty to make me feel better. I have been doubting my "business pathway" for a few months now and I jsut keep hearing this little voice that says "Come to me! Walk THIS way..." I totally get all that you are saying and thanks for confirming that "what used to work, isn't working any more"....
jamie - I had been checking your blog every few days and wondering "where's Melissa??! Is she okay?? Is she alive?? When are we going to see the new website??" Haha maybe I'm the only person who still loves reading blogs. ;)
Phyllis - I did want you to know that although I don't check in on blogs weekly, I have followed yours for about 6 months. I'm so inspired by your walk with I found your blog about 6 months ago and have been inspired by your walk with Christ and your enthusiasm for life. People are reading – although it may be less often. My friend and I challenge each other to create our own answers to your Friday "I did that/inspired by/etc...” posts. And as a never married, I hope to have wedding memories like the beautiful ones you create behind the camera. Best of luck with your new endeavors.
Jen K. - This is a nice summation of how my life is right now. I'm trying to remember to not put my life plans before God and trust that He's got this, even if "this" doesn't look like my tidy little plan. Thank you for sharing what's going on!
Liz Cook - Ah! *Raises hand* Totally guilty of not reading blogs as much as I used to and I completely, 100% blame it on google and their removal of Google Reader. I get all of my blog links almost exclusively from FB now. But I just got your email about fall mini sessions and thought to hop over and see how you've been. I would have been worried, also, if I knew you hadn't been blogging for three weeks! Sorry to be out of the loop. I loved this post and I completely, totally agree and understand it. But I have no doubt God will lead you towards another inventive and brilliant direction and I can't wait to follow along! You're still a huge favorite of mine and your blog is a never-failing resource for me. :) Enjoy your blogging break!!
Katina - Melissa, while I was reading this post I connected to what you are saying in so many ways. 1. Connected to you because you were the very reason and my only inspiration and mentor when I started, you inspired me and I am sure SO many others across the globe to discover and FINALLY find a spot were we belong...and for that I would be pretty proud of yourself and 2. I have no doubt that big things are heading your way my friend..I think sometimes a breather is a MUST in this industry...after all we need to LIVE in the moment to really know how to capture them later. I cannot wait to see what the future hold for you but I will always wish you lots of love and happiness...because Lord knows you have giving some of that love to all of us! xo Katina
Tira J - I've missed you and I noticed you were gone! I've been checking every few days! Oh friend, I get it and you are the second one this week that has wrote a post like this about blogging. We all need breaks and time to get out and discover what else life has to offer! God has the master plan for all of us and I just know that HE has some grand things in store for you. Love you tons!
Heather Mosser - I've been praying a lot too. And I will add you to my prayer list. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you, you still are my favorite blog to stay linked to. I understand though, it is time consuming and I feel instead of getting any comments, they now just leave hopefully some love on FB or other "quicker" avenues. Love you!!
R. J. Kern - Melissa, I hear your pain and I'm pretty darn sure I share the same anxiety. I've always looked to you as a leader in our industry and a beacon of light demonstrating not only solid blogging, but consistent shooting, business smarts, and honest writing. Thank YOU for sharing your heart and inspiring others. I can remember talking with Dane Sanders circa 2008 when I started my photo blog... and asked him: "to blog or not to blog?" and he simply responded, "Blog for yourself... if you don't enjoy it, don't do it." It is easy for us to think "I blog because my clients will like it" or "I need to promote myself" and I'm not sure that falls into the category of Dane's sage advice, which sounds rather timeless. While I'm not as 'fit' of a blogger as you are (you are pretty blog buff!), I find maybe about one post per week with usually one month off per year... which really helps me stay steady, strong, and not burnout. Chin up, good luck, and God Bless.
KT - Add me to the list of those that enjoy reading your blog. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself and will continue to share with us!
jenn of hello inspira - I was wondering why you didnt blog for awhile but then one of your recent posts also mentioned how you're scaling down and reflecting more. :) I am praying for you! Xoxo
Cameron Clark - Amen. 2014 was the strangest year ever. The only thing that is constant is change. Let grab lunch soon...xoxo
Laura N. - Melissa, just yesterday I asked myself "where's Melissa?" I'm so used to seeing your posts on Facebook. I panicked, lol! Then I saw your post and came to your blog. I'm happy you're ok! But it's true, I have stopped reading everyone's blogs all summer. I think it's because I over did it for the past two years and I needed a break from the computer and photography. A lot of my friends have felt the same. However, I'm excited for you and can't wait to see how you transform your business during this time. I'll keep checking your blog, yours is one of three I always come back to :-)
Kacky - I'm just an amateur photographer in middle america who stumbled onto your blog long ago and i definately noticed/panicked when you took your break. Checked Instagram and knew you were okay. One of the reasons i love your blog is because of your honesty - along with your amazing work! I have learned so much from it. Good luck in wherever your path leads you.
Karen H. - I noticed you were gone, but I figured it was due to all of the transition from hiring a new assistant, etc. I am one of those guilty of not perusing photographers blogs anymore. I used to read several and now I only read two or three, and those are my favorites from long ago (yours is one!) Maybe it has to do with the going-back-to-nature movement: stronger relationships, natural/organic eating, cultivating and creating your own things. I especially missed the Friday posts because those are the ones that highlight your personality. Excited to see what God has in store for you.
Jordan McBride - So glad you are finally taking a much-needed, well-deserved break. I have no doubts you'll bounce back stronger and more inspired than ever! xo
Melissa - I didn't comment when I realized you weren't posting as much because I commented on your Frivolous Friday post a while back saying how I missed your FF posts. :) I'm so glad to see you'll at least be posting some -- I adore your blog! And someday I WILL take you workshop when I'm back in Phoenix. I'm from Phoenix, but living in Austin right now. Maybe I can even do your workshop sometime when I'm visiting. I'm excited to see what God has in store for you and your business!
Amanda L - I definitely noticed your break. Each time I went and checked your instagram to make sure you were still posting there. I figured it was a technical glitch or a self-imposed break, neither of which I could 'help' with. But know that you were missed!
Tina Bush - Praying for you <3
Emily Crall - I agree with you 100% about photography blogs. The only times I get legitimate hits are when I post a wedding and all of the couples' friends and family come to look at it. Times have changed, even in the last 2 years! So glad you'll still be blogging even if at a lesser amount. So much love to you!!
Tina - I noticed you weren't blogging too! You know what? I've been in the exact same boat as you. I was never as consistent of a blogger as you, but I had just begun to wonder - do people still read photographers' blogs? I know I don't as much as I used to, only a select few that I really still want to keep up with (like yours!). I've been wondering what this means and what the next avenue is too. It feels like the industry is changing all over again!
Stella - Part of my morning routine is to check my favorite blogs, including yours, with a cup of coffee. I've noticed the break in blogging and while I missed them, I knew that there had to be a reason. Take the time you need, but just know that there are a lot of people who are excited to see a new post as they sip their morning coffee.
Rhonda Danner - Love you! Proud of you and excited for you!!
Kari Jeanne - I noticed!! I especially missed your Friday posts :) Proud of you for taking the step back to evaluate what's happening in your business & in your heart & really listening to God & seeking His plan instead of clinging to your own. Love you friend & can't wait to see what the next step look like for you xoxo
Charrie - You know, I have a blog also and haven't blogged in two months, gasp! Of course the only times I blog is when I have a photo shoot and that's been very slow in the middle of our hot summers (typical). Needless to say unless like you, I have never gotten any business from my blog so I've been tempted to give it up all together. I probably get more inquiries through my FB page instead. I'm glad you're moving forward and not giving up altogether and am excited to see what's up next for you. You're a wonderful, generous photographer (very rare these days) who's up front about her faith (also very rare), and I for one really appreciate that. Praying God gives you the wisdom you need in the coming months.
Jenny - I love when people I admire openly admit they business isn't always a breeze for them, so thank you for that. Whatever mjp is going through, Gods got a reason!
Susanne Ashby - I noticed you hadn't blogged! But I knew you had talked about it at the workshop... I am obviously a terrible blogger, so I've always been impressed with how consistent you were. Glad to hear you'll still be on here once or twice a week!
Leslie Hancock - Believe it or not Melissa, I've been checking every day to see your next blog...when NOTHING was happening I thought perhaps someone very close to you had passed away and you need a break. I think in a way some thing did, not someone. God IS the key...and I'm thankful you solely trust in HIM to guide your ways. I look forward with great anticipation to see what He is going to do in your life!!!