This past week was about as Indiana as it gets. We started off the week at the zoo, enjoying the high 70s and sunshiney skies, and we ended the week with snow flurries. Whhhat?! It’s almost like the weather gods called the wrong season up, then realized the mistake and told spring to sit back down so winter could keep up the work?

But wait….who would do that?! Hmm…#oops #Oscars

All comparisons aside, here are some things I’m loving & learning from the past week:

• This song. It’s been on repeat since hearing it at church on Sunday morning. Also, John Mayer released Wave 2 of his new album — can his Indianapolis concert just get here already?! I’m obsessed!!!
• Ryan is head-over-heels in love with all things ribs, corn breads, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, and baked beans. In other words, he’s the best baby ever and we love him a lot. Haha!
• Speaking of loving that little man….our trip to the zoo was a blast!! He loved the giraffes, flamingos, and bears, but nothing compared to the Oceans exhibit with floor-to-ceiling fish tanks! Stingrays, Nemo fish, Dory fish, and more!
• In our attempt to prepare for The Oscars this past week, Chris and I watched Manchester by the Sea and Hacksaw Ridge. Manchester was phenomenal, and if you haven’t seen it yet, you need to make that happen as soon as possible! Bring some tissues though…you may need them.
• Hacksaw Ridge on the other hand was a bit gory for me (read: I don’t think I watched half the movie!!!). However, my overall takeaway was HUGE. The film made me reflect on the generational impact of our actions regardless of their size and the resulting power we all have to change the future. Seriously, I get goosebumps every time I think about it!!
• Oh, and despite all our Oscar prepping, I still only made it halfway through. I always forget how late they go! The promise of a live La La Land performance kept me up, but then when John Legend sang the songs instead, I took my sleepy self straight upstairs! Don’t get me wrong, I LOOOVE John Legend…but after listening to Ryan and Emma non-stop ever since seeing the movie, I was a bit surprised. Anyone else?!

And that’s about it! This week is full of editing the sweetest newborn session, planning material for the first SRP Photography Workshop for Beginners, and prepping for The Reset Conference this weekend! I can’t wait to attend and soak up knowledge from some of my favorite speakers — it’s going to be great!!

P.S. If you’re in your first year or so of photography business or are thinking of starting a business, make sure you enter the launch week giveaway! One person will win a FREE MENTORING SESSION with me where we discuss all things photography and business for two hours — no question is off the table! AND, Mentoring sessions that take place in Indianapolis also include updated headshots! :) :)

The giveaway will be open through Thursday evening, and I will announce the winner Friday morning! It’s pretty straightforward; all you have to do is:

1. Like this photo,
2. Sign up for the Sami Renee Education Newsletter,
3. and comment on the image + tag two friends you think may be interested, too!

Happy Monday!