If we were catching up over coffee and you asked how my year was, I’d probably smile and say … busy, full, and really good in the ways that matter.

2025 wasn’t about doing everything. It was about doing the right things. Being present. Choosing fun. Setting boundaries. And leaning into the parts of life and work that genuinely light me up.

Here’s a little recap of what this year gave me.

Behind the Camera

This year, I felt more settled and confident in my work as a photographer serving Kitchener-Waterloo and the surrounding area. Less second-guessing, more trusting my gut. I leaned into what I do best and stayed focused on connection, comfort, and creating an experience that feels easy and enjoyable for the people in front of my lens.

One moment that meant a lot was being named Waterloo Region Readers’ Choice Diamond Award Winner for Best Photography Services in 2025. Knowing this community took the time to vote is something I’ll never take for granted. It was one of those quiet “okay, this really matters” moments.

One of my favourite parts of this year was seeing familiar faces return. Photographing repeat family clients year after year is such a gift. Watching kids grow, families change, and milestones stack up over time never gets old. Alongside those familiar faces, I also had the joy of meeting new families and welcoming them into the Portraits by Kendra experience, which was just as special.

Personal branding sessions continued to be a big highlight too. Many of the new branding clients I worked with felt incredibly aligned with my values, and the collaboration came naturally. It’s funny how the universe works sometimes — when you show up authentically, the right people seem to find you.

Life Outside the Lens

One of the biggest shifts I made in 2025 was focusing more intentionally on my mental wellness and overall balance. I gamified my walking goal and aimed for 8,000 steps a day — even if that meant parking further away, pacing during intense Blue Jays World Series games, or heading out for longer walks through the forest. It turns out those small choices added up in a big way.

I also got much better at setting boundaries. Protecting my time and energy made a noticeable difference in how I showed up, both for my clients and for my family.

And when I wasn’t behind my lens, I was fully in mom mode.

This year was filled with activities, and I made it a priority to be present for all of it. Between baseball, softball, hockey, piano, and theatre, there were a lot of sidelines and seats in the audience. Watching my son Wyatt take on the role of Mayor of Munchkinland in KWMP’s The Wizard of Oz was such a proud moment. And yes, Oliver absolutely stole hearts as Toto.

My daughter Chloe continues to amaze me in high school. That girl can achieve absolutely anything she puts her mind to, and watching her confidence and drive grow has been one of my favourite parts of this year. We also spent lots of time with the Waterloo Ghosts softball, enjoying the community, the teamwork, and the friendships that come with it.

Making Room for Fun

Because life can’t be all schedules and to-do lists, fun was a priority this year too. That meant quality time with family and friends, getting away when we could, and saying yes to experiences that felt like a reset.

Wes and I made some great memories at a Morgan Wallen concert, and our family March Break cruise to the Bahamas was exactly what we needed. Sun, laughter, and time away from routine go a long way.

Carrying This Into What’s Next

As I head into the new year, I feel grounded, grateful, and excited. I’m continuing to lean into work that feels aligned, clients who value connection and experience, and a life that leaves room for fun, rest, and presence.

I’ll be starting 2026 with my Choose Your Own Experience sessions on January 25, 2026. They reflect everything I loved about this year: flexibility, ease, and creating something meaningful without overcomplicating it.

More than anything, I’m just really thankful — for the people who trust me with their stories, for the families who come back year after year, and for the life happening in between the sessions.

Kendra