As 2025 Ends…. |HUNTER VALLEY & NEWCASTLE PHOTOGRAPHER
As 2025 comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on what a huge, emotional, challenging, and beautiful year it has been for Ali Jones Photography.
After taking a three-year break from my photography career — welcoming little Miss Evie and moving to the Hunter Valley — this year became the year of rebuilding. We worked hard to finish our purpose-built studio and officially opened the doors in March. It felt like starting over… because in many ways, it was. New town, new faces, new networks, new everything. So I began by giving away 20 model call sessions just to get my feet on the ground and meet the community I hoped to serve.
Those early months were a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and a whole lot of learning. But I had one thing in my corner — 18 years of knowledge, experience, and genuine love for what I do. Slowly, patiently, I climbed my way from page 27 of Google all the way to page 1 and 2 for “newborn photographer.” It felt huge.
And then September arrived. Instagram disabled my business account overnight with no explanation. In November, my Meta business account was hacked, resulting in nearly $7,000 in fraudulent ad charges — with $1,900 still unresolved. It was devastating. These platforms are essential lifelines for small businesses, especially when rebuilding from scratch.
But here’s what I know about myself: nothing will stop me. Not setbacks, not challenges, not algorithms, not hackers. I love what I do and I love the people I get to meet along the way.
This year I’ve been blessed to photograph some of the sweetest families — many of whom started as clients and have now become friends. This is what makes my business different: I’m not just building a brand… I’m building relationships. I’m partnering with people. I’m walking alongside mothers who are navigating some of the most vulnerable, transformative seasons of their lives.
Over and over, I hear stories that move me deeply. I’ve been encouraged by beautiful mums who’ve shared their hearts, their struggles, their triumphs. It reminded me that motherhood is both glorious and hard — and sometimes incredibly isolating.
So next year, I want to do more than take photos. I want to build community. I want to create a safe, warm place for mums to gather, talk, laugh, cry, connect — whatever they need. I will be organising semi-regular catch-ups for any of my clients who want that village we all talk about but rarely have.
For those who don’t know me well: I’m a woman of faith, a follower of Jesus, and I know He has plans far bigger than my little studio. I’m trusting Him as we walk into 2026 — believing for creativity, connection, purpose, and the chance to bless others through this gift He’s given me.
So even with the setbacks — big and small — I am profoundly grateful for 2025.
Grateful for my family.
Grateful for the lessons.
Grateful for the people I’ve met.
Grateful for every session that filled this studio with joy.
Grateful for the opportunity to begin again.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Here’s to growth, community, and all that’s ahead in 2026.
With love,
Ali
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