Caroline Tran

As excited as I am for things to open up again (especially for events!)... And as hard as it has been to have zero personal space around here with everyone virtual learning/working from home... I'm actually going to miss all the time we have together. We've gotten into a routine where I get to spend time with my kids during their break, and I have been loving having my husband around... I'm going to miss them when they all leave for work/school again. I'm not ready for the he...ctic mornings of getting them to school on time. I like our slow mornings this year! Once school starts back up again, I want to be intentional about creating sacred together time daily (Most likely after dinner). What lifestyle/habit/routine have you gained from this pandemic that you would like to continue?

Ever feel like you've worked non-stop all day, but don't feel satisfied or productive at the end of the day? That's the kind of day I had. I finally peeled myself from the laptop to start my nightly routine and realized that I wasn't feeling productive. I reflected and realized... I finished 2 web pages (started a 3rd), had 3 zoom meetings with my Mastermind students, updated my mini sessions launch runbook in prep for 2 simultaneous launches, finished reviewing applications ...and emailed the next Mastermind cohort students (message me if you didn't get an email from me - check your spam too), worked on 3 video edits, initiated another video edit... Sounds like a lot... But at the end of the day, I still felt unproductive. Why? Because I didn't satisfy the intentions I had set for myself today... Actually, I skipped that part this morning entirely. Every morning, I usually start the day with some meditation, affirmations, and listing out 3 things I want to accomplish that day. This morning, I did what I tell people not to do. I opened my email first and started to react to all the demands. So today, I accomplished what others expected of me, but I didn't satisfy my own needs. So if you struggle with living satisfying days, try setting clear intentions for your day right when you wake up. Or better yet, do it for the the night before as part of your bedtime routine. You'll live a more fulfilling life like this... So now I'm off to do my bedtime routine to make up for today. My daily needs are exercise, meditation, and quality time with my family. What are your 3 daily needs?

So delighted to see the influx of wedding and proposal inquiries lately! Excited for all the upcoming events this year! We shot our first wedding since the pandemic this past weekend it felt so good to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m hearing more and more people my age who’s been able to get the vaccine so that’s encouraging for events and conferences this year!... I’m scheduled to speak at two in-person conferences/workshops this year so far and entertaining the idea of hosting one myself. How are you feeling about in-person events? Are you hopefully we will be able to celebrate in person soon?

Every product or service I offer has been inspired by my personal journey. It started with something I wish I had, or something I greatly cherish as a daughter, and now as a mother. My motherhood mini sessions was created by my own desire to have photos of my mom. She has always been so camera shy that I hardly have any photos of her, so I made a tradition that we would shoot portraits every Mother’s Day. ... You may be surprised to hear this but I used to not like being in photos either. It wasn’t until when Cameron was maybe 3 or 4, he looked at some of our travel photos and asked why I didn’t go. That’s when I realized that I was doing the exact same thing my mom was doing... and that one day, he will look at the photos longing to see me in his childhood stories. So my motherhood mini sessions were created as a way to get all of my families out annually for an updated family photo. As a daughter, I want photos of my mom. As a mom, I want my children to have photos of me. If you’ve been avoiding getting in front of the camera like I did for so many years, think about how much you love seeing your mom in photos. You don’t judge or care how your mom looked. The photos just simply make you happy to see her. This happiness, these stories and legacies, is what we leave behind for our children. So if you haven’t yet, join the waitlist for me upcoming Motherhood mini sessions this May! https://carolinetran.net/gallery/mommy-and-me/

Life is ephemeral, but our legacy is eternal. What impact do you want to make during your time here? I solve problems... that’s what I do. I’m good at listening to people and hearing what they need, and come up with a solution for them. This holds true from documenting people’s stories, to mentoring and helping other photographers succeed, but with all the current increase in violence and racism, I’m saddened and frustrated that there isn’t an easy solution. ... I wish I could do more. I wish I could write something really profound but truth is, I’m not very good with words. So I quietly reflect, and invite you to reflect with me... what does it mean to be privileged, and how can we use the privileges we have to make an impact?

I’ve always believed that if you look hard enough, you can always find light. Sometimes, you may have to reposition yourself to where it’s shining, but believe that it is there! It’s always there! Recent days have really pushed me hard to find the light! I am so sad, angry, and disappointed with all the violence and chaos. To cope, I unplugged for a few days and gave my kids my undivided attention. Playing and cuddling with them was really the best medicine I could think of ...and I’m so grateful to have them in my life. How do you find the light? Tell me something that makes you smile (so it can make me smile too!)

Yummy backlight with just the right amount of flare. So romantic, dreamy, and ethereal! The perfect mood for a rooftop #engagementphotoshoot, would you agree? Who else loves soft and dreamy light? DM me if you’d like to shoot together! I’d love to help you plan the perfect shoot!

When was the last time you did something that terrified you? Something you almost talked yourself out of because the mere thought of it had your stomach in knots. Up until what you’re about to see, child birth was my last. I have a love/hate relationship with fear. I have enough anxiety as is, but the adrenaline rush, combined with that feeling of pride after you conquer your fear is indescribable! Tomorrow, Jan 4, 8pm PST (8 EST and 7 central), watch me conquer several of m...y fears on @nbcgameofgames! It was such a great experience and adrenaline rush, only second to child birth! Come and virtually cheer me on!

Walk into this new year with renewed purpose. As crazy as 2020 was, I’m grateful for the hard reset it gave me. One thing that I loved about 2020 (and plan to carry on into this new year) is the lower volume of work. It allowed me to enjoy the process longer, and have time after to celebrate my work rather than jump into the next project. This year, I will be even more selective on the projects I accept so that I have more time to enjoy each... and play!... What is a lesson from 2020 that you will be implementing in 2021?

Cheers to a new year! I would've posted this sooner but honestly, I didn't realize it was new year's Eve till I saw NY do their countdown. I've been on winter break mode. My entire life, I was either a student, a teacher, or a parent of a student, so winter break has always been cherished times. I’ve been sleeping in, playing piano, and indulging in tv after the kids go to sleep (currently watching @bridgertonnetflix ). ... I am giving myself permission to be on vacation mode till the kids go back to school... anyone else have to make conscious efforts to take breaks? Sending you all great vibes for the new year with a socially-distanced, contact-free toast!