Lydia Fine / Apollo & Ivy Photography

Hi Reader! My daughter hates volleyball, and that makes me super sad. Not because I need her to be my mini-me, or because I think she should love the same things I do. It makes me sad because volleyball has been one of the biggest gifts of my adult life. I started playing in the Iowa City Tuesday night women’s volleyball league in my early 20s, and more than 20 years later, I’m still playing. At this point it’s less “hobby” and more “long-term relationship.” And the thing is, volleyball was...

Hi Reader! I'm sending this note to you because I've photographed your child at Helping Hands or La Montessori Nurtury, and I don't want you to miss this! My friend Nicole is offering Personality Portraits, the timeless and classy photos just like the photos I take at your child's daycare. All About the Kids: Personality Portraits Nicole Moreno Photography is hosting a Personality Portraits Pop-Up on November 8, and I’m helping spread the word! These are stylistically just like the timeless,...

Hi Reader! I'm sharing some news that you, my business-savvy photographer, will want to know. Flodesk is ending its unlimited plan. Nothing good can stay, right? Ponyboy's wise words are certainly true of Flodesk's unlimited plan, which they announced this morning they're sunsetting. (Why the change? Most tech startups start out losing money, and change pricing later. The unlimited plan likely wasn't profitable, and had to go.) BUT HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS: You can still sign up for the Unlimited...

Hi Reader! I’m Intentionally a Part-Time Photographer (And That’s Not a Step Down) Ever feel like “quitting your day job” and “going full time” is the only goal that anyone talks about in photography circles? Yeah, that’s not my story. I’m Lydia Fine—family, newborn, and senior photographer just outside Iowa City. Marketing nerd by day, and full-on advocate for the part-time photography life. I’m not here because I’m scared to go full time. I’m here because I don’t want to go full time. And I...

Hi Reader! Want a peek into the systems that keep my business and home life afloat? I just recorded a guest episode for the podcast Called to Both while Joy is out on maternity leave. It’s live now and only 18 minutes long. Listen to “Systems That Actually Work” Play the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or online. In this short but mighty episode, I share the systems that help me: Run a successful business on limited hours Stay present with my kids Hold down a day job while doing both...