I am a teacher.  A music director, in fact.  (And not just because my last name is Horn!)

In my past life, I was a middle school band and orchestra teacher and I had let go of teaching to be a full-time photographer.  Yes, I did get to actually make that happen!

And though I was plenty grateful to be busy enough to support this occupation…I missed it.  So as I began subbing on the side, an opportunity came up that I just couldn’t refuse.

Last May, I accepted a position at Windsor High School as a band director.  It’s an interim (one year only), part time position for the current director who returned to Illinois to obtain his master’s degree.  Since I knew the students a bit from subbing and my interactions with them, it seemed like  a great fit.  And, I figured, that it being part time, I could still maintain my workload of photography clients.

Hi,
My name is Susan and I over extend myself AND I have unrealistic expectations.  :)

This little part time job got way out of hand.  Entirely my fault, for two reasons:  one–not comprehending what  part time actually means.  I should have recognized that just because it was part time pay, I wouldn’t really be putting part time hours into it.  HA!  I mean, this is me we’re talking about.  I have issues with boundaries and saying no.

The second was less about me and more about the job.  The program is extremely successful and the students have two directors.  It became evident to me that if I stuck to my part time obligations, I would not only be letting the students down, but also my wonderful colleague.  She was already doing plenty and I didn’t want to add to her workload just because I was a part-timer.  So I spent a LOT of time at school.

And then my mom got cancer.  I wasn’t really ever home any more, let alone working in front of my computer…

To my wonderful clients, I am admitting that I should have scaled back a lot, especially during marching band season.   Too little too late.

However, this little story has a great ending.

This little band I was working with WON STATE.  That’s right: 3A State Champions.

Here are some of my favorite memories from the year…

I also want to point out that this day–October 24, 2011, Bryan and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary of our first date.
AND, I became an Aunt that day!  It was a fantastic day and I’ll never forget it!!

Thanks for being so understanding and letting me do this.  It was such an amazing experience and I am getting back to my other work!  ♥

Stay tuned for all the updates!

]]> http://www.inharmonystudios.com/personal/its-not-an-excuse-but-you-might-understand/feed/ 1 http://www.inharmonystudios.com/personal/im-the-proud-aunt-nothern-colorado-maternity-photographer/ http://www.inharmonystudios.com/personal/im-the-proud-aunt-nothern-colorado-maternity-photographer/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:01:58 +0000 susan http://www.inharmonystudios.com/?p=2795 Yep!  That’s me–Auntie-to-be!

So very excited for my sister and her hubby on the arrival of their little one in October.  I’m also excited because I can shamelessly take lots of pictures of them!  :)

First up:  Boulder.  You can’t get more Boulder than this…

{Insert Witty Caption Here}
Leave a caption comment and I just might use yours!

Then, before her shower, we took some in the studio.  I love the light in there.  :)

LOVE THIS ONE!!

I’m glad they let me have fun…
This watermelon was later used as the fruit baby stroller!

Next, we went into an open space area in Windsor that I wanted to check out.  I loved these.  You just had to dodge the mosquitoes.

Now I know why they say Hot Momma.  Wow.

I’ve been loving some summer sunflare lately.  Yummm.

And then one more time in the studio!  :)

They don’t know what it’s going to be, but they have nicknamed it “omee”: the morphing of Osei and Amee  :0)

I couldn’t resist using more watermelon.  I just loved the colors!!

Yay!  I am so happy for you both!!
XOXO

Love,

Aunt Suz

A photo from our recent pre-drywall orientation of our new house!  I am really excited to relocate In Harmony Studios and us to Windsor!!  :)

I have always liked sports events and it challenges my photographic skills when I have to anticipate movement and focus!

You can view the whole gallery here!

It’s especially nice to come to an event and also be greeted by students and parents who are genuinely happy for me, even when I had to leave them to do so.

A few days before Mead’s musical, I received an email from a parent of the lead inviting me to take photos of the event.  I was happy to oblige and see my old students one year older!!  It was a great way to see them again and to get some great images from the event.

You can view the whole gallery here!

If you know me at all, you know I have a soft place in my heart for little girl tuba players.  This sixth grader is cute as a button!  ♥

Congratulations to my fabulous colleague, Mr. La, and the wonderful cast of Charleston.  I am always impressed!!

Thanks so much for your support,

Susan

They’re the kind of neighbors, as a thank you for taking their pictures, bring over an apple pie.  :)

We tried to get a walk around the lake as we shot the session, but it was just a little TOO cold…

These were some of my favorites.

They’re so cute.  ;)

Yay for AWESOME neighbors!!

To reminiscing past memories and memories made!  Take this special time and spread the spirit of giving all year.

Best,

Susan ♥

Bryan’s perspective.  Love it

Mine.

♥  I love this one!!!!!  :)  ♥

Kellie & Eric, you were SO easy to work with, and we had a lot of fun!  More coming soon!

Thanks for understanding.  I’m ready to let loose soon–and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on!  ;)

–Susan

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