We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney and Robert Cannon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney and Robert, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
First, a little back story about what our lives used to look like. We went from both working full time jobs as music teachers, while running a “full time” work load as business owners and raising our family all at the same time. At one time, I was waking up early and staying up late to get business tasks done and completed before I headed off to another full days work and fit in some family time too.

We finally realized that in order for the business to keep growing something had to give. I was able to go full time in the business first and the amount of freedom that I felt was incredible. I was still working a lot more than 40 hours but I now had the freedom to work when I chose to work.

Now that we are both full time we’ve been able to create a schedule that serves all facets of our life and business well. We look at our home and everything that is happening to keep it running all as a part of the “Cannon CEO tasks.” So whether it is getting the kids on the bus, cleaning the house, answering emails, or editing photos every task is a valid part of the job that we are doing to keep our home running.

Shifting into this mentality has allowed us to value the “jobs” that we are doing together as a family. Working together we have found new freedoms to enjoy life outside of work.

We have a family bucket list that keeps us motivated to do family things together like go to the park, build a snowman, go to the pumpkin patch, or see the Nutcracker. Our children mark things off the list to see that even when we are often in the office working we are also intentionally spending time with them.

I also intentionally plan things for us as a family and for myself. Whether it be a hair appointment, a lunch date with a friend, or a nail appointment I’ve found that putting tasks for myself outside of the business on the calendar has helped me to find more of a balance in life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We are husband and wife wedding photographers and our business is grounded in a service meets creativity approach. We are known for our unwavering dedication to our couples and we truly care not only about their photos but that they enjoy their day with their loved ones. Our clients place great value and trust in our process and we walk them through how to have a stress free wedding day.

Our photography style is a timeless classic style meets movement and authenticity. Our goal is to always capture all of the photos that you dream to see in your wedding gallery while also infusing the emotional and candid elements throughout your day as well.

The biggest lesson we’ve learned is to never stop learning. We are always seeking inspiration and ways to grow both our craft and our experience for our couples.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We tend to travel to Cleveland a lot for Pinecrest, Crocker Park, or a quick trip to Jeni’s or Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes. Locally near us we love 91 bar and grill.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people in our lives that have allowed us to reach the level of success that we have achieved. I’d love to give a shout out to our parents, my best friend Lea Lang, and most importantly God.

We have witnessed time and time again that there is a bigger purpose and we have the honor to make an impact on not only on our couples memories through our photos but also our students’ lives specifically through our education section of our business.

We are beyond blessed and so thankful for the drive and motivation to keep pushing forward as well as encouragement that we’ve been given from the very beginning. While my Grandma is no longer here with us she will forever be my biggest fan and is without a doubt the person who instilled a hard work ethic and confidence in me. She also showed me that it is okay for our children to see us working hard for our family.

One of our favorite books for business owners is The Go Giver by Bob Burg, John David Mann.

Website: thecannonsphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecannonsphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecannonsphotography

Image Credits
The Cannons Photography

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