It’s Thanksgiving week, and if you're anything like me—and most photographers I know—you’re probably feeling a strange mix of gratitude, pressure, comparison, and reflection. This slower season in our photography businesses gives us a rare chance to breathe and think about where we’ve been and where we’re going.

In this episode, I’m kicking off a four-part series designed specifically for photographers navigating the end of the year with intention. And we’re starting with something foundational: gratitude.

Whether you’re questioning if you did enough this year, wondering how to set goals for your photography business in 2026, or just need to quiet that inner critic, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through how gratitude can reframe your mindset, fuel your momentum, and help you move forward without burnout.

I'm also sharing the exact journaling prompts I use to reflect on the year—ones that help me reconnect with why I started this journey and where I want to go next. These aren’t fluffy gratitude practices; they’re strategic, grounding tools for any creative entrepreneur ready to build a more sustainable and profitable business.

If you're tired of comparing your year to someone else’s highlight reel—or their entire decade—you'll find some peace and perspective here.

Inside, we’ll talk about:

• Why gratitude is a powerful business strategy for photographers
• How to shift out of scarcity and comparison during the slower season
• What sustainable success in your photography business really looks like
• Three intentional questions to help you reflect and reset
• How to begin setting aligned goals for the new year—without the overwhelm

If you want even more support as you reflect, dream, and plan for next year, I’d love to invite you to the Peace & Profit Bootcamp, where we’ll map out your 2026 goals and build a strategy that actually fits your life. You can sign up at lauraesmond.com/bootcamp
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For now, grab a journal, your favorite holiday drink, maybe even a slice of pumpkin pie—and let’s reflect together. Gratitude comes first.

Connect with Laura:

• Get Rooted Waitlist: lauraesmond.com/getrooted
• Peace & Profit Bootcamp: lauraesmond.com/bootcamp
• Instagram: @reeseandcoportraits
• Website: lauraesmond.com