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Madison Wisconsin Wedding Photographers
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Why Taking A Break From Insta Has Been Good For My Soul...

April 12, 2016

Well kind of. It's been a little over a week and I'm thisclose to just deleting the app from my phone for a while...

I’m taking a small hiatus from Instagram. You see, it used to be this fun platform for me. I looked forward to posting on it regularly and then before I knew it, it became this huge stressor for me. 


What was I going to post? Was it cohesive? Did it have good content? What if the “likes” didn’t reach 10 (which then became 20, then 60, then 80). Was my feed too cluttered? I needed to do a flat lay next but with what objects? Were the colors flowing nicely? Post then delete images to test if they worked or not. All day errrr day. 
It has consumed me (in not the healthy sort of way). I’ve worried, stressed, felt frustrated, ALL over silly little numbers. My following wasn’t growing at a rate I was happy with (especially when I felt I was doing everything right), I stared at my external hard drive analyzing, visualizing, and trying to figure out what image I would post next. & then came the captions. Don’t post images without good content. Fluff isn’t your friend. Micro blogging is something I’m trying to warm up to but as of now, I’m stepping back. 


Not sure when I’ll come back to posting regularly. I hope you won’t leave me. I’ll be back before wedding season kicks off fully but for now I’m going to re-charge, sever the oh so tied tight ties, and stop stressing over something so silly. 
Also considering a totally personal Instagram account (since we can toggle between accounts now) - I will keep you posted if that happens! <3

Unfortunately, I'm not missing it. Not one bit. There is just something so freeing about not being tethered to a social media platform. Not feeling the pressure to post in hopes of gaining a few more followers, or the rare possibility of leads. Truth be told, my business is based primarily on referrals and fortunately Instagram isn't my make it or break it piece..

So much of our time is spent scrolling through the feeds of others. Living vicariously through those on a vacation, or those attending your dream workshop, or that perfectly stylized flat lay.. But do you truly exit out of Instagram (or any platform for that matter) always feeling uplifted, inspired, and fulfilled? I know I don't. This obsession to have a curated feed has left out the messy, the mundane, the everyday ins and outs of life. Reading the uplifting words of others doesn't necessarily add to my life. Yes, I enjoy (& love) reading what my industry friends have to say but I'm craving more. 

More living. Less scrolling. More sunshine. Less technology. More creativity. Less perfection.   

I've always been a perfectionist. I'll never forget my 7th grade science teacher, Ms. Pala, keeping my DNA presentation for a future example. I spent hours on that project, perfecting every last piece (& I vividly remember crying because I couldn't get the 3D DNA to lay just right) & I'll never forget how I felt when she asked to keep it. In all actuality, I've been chasing that feeling since that day. Looking for that affirmation, that nod of approval, that fulfillment. That my hard work has paid off and a pat on the back for a job well done.

This all makes a full circle into my definition of success. As an entrepreneur you get to set your own bar, strive for it, hit it, and much like the "sit and reach" fitness test in elementary school.. You push that marker, sit back up, lean forward, and push again.. All in hopes of it being farther away from you then it was originally. 

So how does this all relate to Instagram (& social media in general) anyway? It's hard to explain. Comparing numbers, likes, that internal struggle of feeling like you're doing everything right & nothing is happening.. It's all so loud in social media. It's like those numbers directly correlate to your version of success, the curated Instagram feed with the perfectionist personality.. The best way to describe it is I feel like I'm climbing a 20 foot brick wall with success at the top and I'm scraping trying to work myself up it.

& that's why I'm deciding on more living & less scrolling. 

Even if that living is defined by an evening walk with Otto & binge re-watching "The Office" (Swoon Pam & Jim).  

Oh, & I'll still be writing here regularly. It's good for my soul. 

In Personal, For Photographers Tags instagram, social media break, less scrolling, more living
← March Favorites | Beauty Edition How I See Love | From A Wedding Photographer.... →
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hi. I’m caitlin!

I like exclamation points, sleeping for more then 10 hours, and doughnuts! I specialize in natural light wedding and engagement photography that's full of light, color, and vibrance! I love being with my couples for every step to I do. So grab a cup of coffee (or my favorite, peach tea!) and take a look around. 

I am based out of lovely Madison, Wisconsin. I do love airplanes & my car (hello singing session!) so I am available for travel! 


i N S T A G R A M

Okay okay okay. Who is this dog and where did my puppy go?! Almost 13 weeks old & pushing 20 pounds. He also put all his toys that look like food in the kitchen. Prodigy? I think yes.
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But also eats pebbles. So it’s a toss up 🤷🏼‍♀️
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#itsdenverdood
Those nosearooskie snugs.. Caynay Couples ALWAYS powering through even when it's feeding time for the mosquitos and it's hot 👊🏻
Because it's totally normal to stand nose-to-nose in a field. You do that all the time right? Right 😍
This morning I posted Libby's bouquet in all it's vibrant glory but honestly, I just HAD to share this one too. Her & Scott's wedding is up on the blog today and it's a real BEAUTY. #libbyandlutomadinlove
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Huge shoutout to some AMAZING vendors:
@overturecenter | @daffodilparker | @vitalimagestudios | @eventessentialsmadison | @verawanggang | @styleonsite | @gigiscupcakes.madison | @scriptedreverie | @signsbyandrea
This beautiful bouquet only means ONE thing. Libby & Scott's wedding day is up on the blog (!!!!!) It's full of elegance, timelessness, and joy. Such a DREAM of a day. Head to the link in my profile to take a look! #libbyandlutomadinlove
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Huge shoutout to some AMAZING vendors:
@overturecenter | @daffodilparker | @vitalimagestudios | @eventessentialsmadison | @verawanggang | @styleonsite | @gigiscupcakes.madison | @scriptedreverie | @signsbyandrea
Sup ma. Just chillin’ 🐶 This was taken a couple of weeks ago now. He’s pretty much doubled in size 😭 #itsdenverdood
It took me a solid 15 minutes to figure out which sneak image to share. Truth be told, I’m OBSESSED with about 20 images at just a quick glance. I’m going to warn you all now, their blog post will likely be massive. I think I’m okay with that 😍 #libbyandlutomadinlove
Those bridal details though 😍
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Let's do a Music Monday (on Tuesday because I’m a hot mess) shall we?!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
01. She by Dave Matthews Band
02. A Little More by Alessia Cara
03. Eastside by Benny Blanco
04. Aftergold by Big Wild
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What are you currently listening to?! Leave it down below!
Sarah & Ted are two people who I’m SO fortunate to get to work with. Their joyful, love-filled, relaxed personalities are exactly why I love my job. Their engagement session is up on the blog today! ♥️

F E A T U R E D  

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C A T E G O R I E S

Madison_Wisconsin_Wedidng_Photographers_Bridal_Flowers
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Madison_Wisconsin_Educator_Photography_Education
Okay okay okay. Who is this dog and where did my puppy go?! Almost 13 weeks old & pushing 20 pounds. He also put all his toys that look like food in the kitchen. Prodigy? I think yes.
..
But also eats pebbles. So it’s a toss up 🤷🏼‍♀️
..
#itsdenverdood Those nosearooskie snugs.. Caynay Couples ALWAYS powering through even when it's feeding time for the mosquitos and it's hot 👊🏻 Because it's totally normal to stand nose-to-nose in a field. You do that all the time right? Right 😍 This morning I posted Libby's bouquet in all it's vibrant glory but honestly, I just HAD to share this one too. Her & Scott's wedding is up on the blog today and it's a real BEAUTY. #libbyandlutomadinlove
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Huge shoutout to some AMAZING vendors:
@overturecenter | @daffodilparker | @vitalimagestudios | @eventessentialsmadison | @verawanggang | @styleonsite | @gigiscupcakes.madison | @scriptedreverie | @signsbyandrea This beautiful bouquet only means ONE thing. Libby & Scott's wedding day is up on the blog (!!!!!) It's full of elegance, timelessness, and joy. Such a DREAM of a day. Head to the link in my profile to take a look! #libbyandlutomadinlove
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Huge shoutout to some AMAZING vendors:
@overturecenter | @daffodilparker | @vitalimagestudios | @eventessentialsmadison | @verawanggang | @styleonsite | @gigiscupcakes.madison | @scriptedreverie | @signsbyandrea Sup ma. Just chillin’ 🐶 This was taken a couple of weeks ago now. He’s pretty much doubled in size 😭 #itsdenverdood It took me a solid 15 minutes to figure out which sneak image to share. Truth be told, I’m OBSESSED with about 20 images at just a quick glance. I’m going to warn you all now, their blog post will likely be massive. I think I’m okay with that 😍 #libbyandlutomadinlove Those bridal details though 😍
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Let's do a Music Monday (on Tuesday because I’m a hot mess) shall we?!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
01. She by Dave Matthews Band
02. A Little More by Alessia Cara
03. Eastside by Benny Blanco
04. Aftergold by Big Wild
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What are you currently listening to?! Leave it down below! Sarah & Ted are two people who I’m SO fortunate to get to work with. Their joyful, love-filled, relaxed personalities are exactly why I love my job. Their engagement session is up on the blog today! ♥️ I love summer, as much as the next person. But this humid hotness? Not a fan 🙅🏼‍♀️
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Its making me wish for a cold winters day ⛄️ I’ll be honest, the last month without Otto has been really damn hard. 30 days ago today I lost my best bud and honestly, it hurts just as much today as it did then. In some ways it feels like ages ago but in others, the pain is still so unbelievably real.
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Maybe it’s because it happened so quickly and so unexpectedly. If I would have known that our walk that morning would have been our last, I would have done anything to keep him here with me.
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Then I feel guilty. SO guilty. I have this beautiful new baby who I adore. Who helps patch the hole in my heart so how could I be so sad? How can I sit here and feel immense pain when I have Denver to love?
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Grief is an emotion I’m still learning to navigate. It’s sneaky, forceful, and flooding.
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If you’re still reading, thank you. I try to keep my corner of the internet pretty happy-go-lucky but writing is SO therapeutic to me. I know I’m a pretty private gal, but I appreciate you listening ♥️ #ottothebulliebestie Photographing couples who completely adore each other is one of my  favorite things about this job. Sarah & Ted are two people who truly share something special. The way they cuddle in. The way they look at each other. Our night together was nothing short of magical & I can’t wait to share more!! They met at Winona University in Minnesota. Set between two lakes and the Mississippi is where their love story started. Emily and Craig's engagement session on those same bluffs is on the blog today. Go check them out will ya ;) Oh my goodness. Yesterday evening was such a dream. I mean, would you look at that couple & backdrop?! I may have sang the Jurassic Park theme song a few times but I was DEFINITELY doing a happy dance over this light 😍 I just can't decide what I love more. These leafy relaxed bouquets or that color bridesmaid dress. All the heart eyes for this shot. I'm going to apologize now for the amount of times Jamie & Joe's wedding will be on the gram ;) When I first started shooting weddings there was things that I didn't think were necessary. Some of the things that I didn't, I'm too embarrassed to admit BUT one thing that I quickly realized was invaluable? Wedding Planners & Day-Of Coordinators.
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Enter @cherrybevents. Sarah and Andrea are amazing at what they do and bring such an energy and joy to their work. It was SO fun getting to work with them a couple of weeks ago. The shot above if their creation 😍 Be sure to check them out if you're in the market for magic makers Oh my goodness. Saturday was a dreamy, love-filled, joyful, rustic, elegant, SPECTACULAR wedding. I'm so unbelievably excited to be sharing Jamie & Joe's wedding. Head to the link in my profile to see their day. You definitely will be filled with all the heart eyes on this one! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Vendor Team:
venue: @cupolabarn | floral: @sagefloralllc | video: stillnmotionpictures | makeup: jenniferjanssenmua | hair: beautyondemandmke | dj: mke_sound | dress designers (bride's mama!): @mmfillinger UM, YES. That's all I've got today folks 🤤 This little guy did almost all of picnic point today. He splashed through the puddles, was pet by strangers, & I’m pretty sure some lady thought he was a cat...
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She most definitely thought he was a cat 🙈
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Happy Sunday!! Spending the day with Jamie & Joe? Oofta. I'm speechless. It was a love-filled day & I can’t WAIT to share more from their beautiful wedding. #becomingtheblanks18

Caynay Photo, LLC is a wedding & engagement photographer in Madison WI

Madison, Wisconsin 53719