It's a blog!

Hello and welcome to the very first Sweet Home Photography blog post! My hope is that this space becomes a way to share more about what it means to be a photographer for Rochester’s older adult community—to offer updates on recent and upcoming sessions, answer questions, and explore in more detail how photography can support and celebrate older adults and the people in their lives.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my personal and professional values, and what really makes for a “good” day of work. One thing I’ve learned for certain: a traditional 9–5 role isn’t for me—and that’s okay.

The idea for Sweet Home Photography began back in 2009, when taking photographs helped me say goodbye to a home that had been part of my life for as long as I could remember. A major task of adulthood is to create homes for ourselves in new ways—and sometimes, finding those spaces of belonging can be challenging.

Over the years, I’ve realized that while I may not have one full-time, professional “home,” I’ve discovered countless little pockets of home within this community. Walking into a familiar space to photograph an event and hearing things like, “That’s Meg, she's our photographer,” “We’re so glad you’re here today,” "Hey, did you get anything to ear?" or, “We have another event in September, can you come back?” makes me feel certain that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

I’m grateful for clients who welcome me into their spaces, colleagues I can trust, and the chance to follow two paths I love—photography and social work—in my own way, every day.

Last week, I photographed a luau, a dodgeball game, a clam bake, and a picnic/wedding, and facilitated a workshop on finding purpose. On the surface, these events are fun—but they’re also so much more. They’re opportunities for communities to celebrate connection, for friends and families to make memories, for employees to feel seen and appreciated, and for mental health to become a more regular part of everyday conversation.

This week, I’m looking forward to “senior portraits” at Park Crescent, a professional headshot event at Baywinde, a family session, and a few networking events. I’ll be sharing more along the way, but for now—I’d love to hear what questions you’d like me to answer here in future posts. Stay tuned for updates!

Meg