Spring Hustle, Heart Work, and Horses on the Loose
- Denice Woller
- May 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Spring is always a whirlwind, but this year? I can barely stand still, let alone edit photos. Having a high school senior of my own means every moment feels like a ‘last’—and I’m trying hard to soak them all in. For weeks, I’ve been thinking about writing this post. I even started it over a week ago… and yet here we are. It’s been sitting in my drafts, growing heavier every day. Ever do that?
Because I used to photograph nearly every genre of photography, the variety of subjects I capture certainly isn't as broad as it used to be, and you won't see these things on my website, but in the spring they're still captured through my lens. I have to make a very conscientious effort not to say yes more often, or it could consume my life the way these seemingly little events once did. That is the thing all photographers know, but few others understand: one yes = hours more of work.
These days, my focus is more refined. Most of what I shoot in spring doesn’t even make it to my website. I still capture all kinds of moments—just fewer of them. I have to be intentional with what I say yes to. Every “yes” adds hours of behind-the-scenes work—and photographers know all too well how quickly that adds up.
What I do say yes to in spring looks a little different. It’s often where I feel called to use my gifts: local Lutheran church confirmations, YMCA basketball tournaments, high school spring sports, prom, and graduation. I recently photographed the 10-year anniversary of Lutheran Military Support Group, and loved every moment. I also captured the MN State High School Speech tournament, a school production of Newsies, and a concert–because my kids were involved, I was taking photos anyway, and why not share the fun? Again, that's still more time staring at a computer.
And then… there are the animals. OK—not exactly pet photography. More like cleaning up after mine! One of my unofficial year-long jobs is managing the chaos they leave behind. I just came in from mending a fence—fingers crossed the horse stays put for the grad party. Last night I moved my latest baby chick officemate to the big coop, so no more chirping while I work–except for the baby birds currently residing in my prop room. (A story for another day.)
I know everyone’s busy. This isn’t groundbreaking or profound. But I’ve been photographing so much lately that I haven’t even properly planned my daughter’s graduation party. So naturally… I’m procrastinating by writing a blog post. :)
I needed to get this one out so I can move on to the next—coming soon. (Warning: it may involve tears.)
Thanks for reading, now enjoy some very random photos, and have an awesome Memorial Day Weekend!
















There are more things that I would like to say, and I keep thinking of photos I could add, but as ya know, I gotta get ready for graduation. Over and out!
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