Behind The Scenes Update: Busy Summer, New Smile and Grateful Heart
Hey friends and fellow photography lovers!
It's Lizzie Knapp here from Knapping Dragon Photography. I know it's been a while since I sat down to writa e proper blog post--my last regular updates were back in the spring (around March), and time has just flown. I usually try to share something every week, but this spring and summer have been wonderfully full (and a little chaotic in the best ways).
I wanted to catch everyone up on what's been happening behind the scenes and why the blog went quiet for a stretch.
A Packed Season of Events
Mother's Day was extra special this year. I hosted a free photography event to celebrate the moms in our community and it filled my heart to connect with so many of you, I also took part in several small business appreciation events--getting out there, meeting people, and supporting local businesses is one of my favorite parts of this work.
I did have to cancel the Father's day plans. As many of ytou know from y \earlier post "Setting The Record Straight", the cyberbullying fallout from thaat Thanksgiving wedding situation made it the wiser choice at the time. I am still grateful for the support that POURED in then, and I'm choosing to keep moving forward with focus and positivity. Belwo are a few shots from the Free Mother's Day Event.
Big Personal Wins Thanks To All Of My Loyal Customers
Business has been strong enough that I was finally able to take care of something that had beein weighting on me for a long long time due to no dental insurance, I had all of my remaining teeth extracted and got a full set of dentures. My smile is pretty and perfect now and I no longer have to be forced to hide behind my camera. I can not tell you how much that means to me.
For years people would look at my teeth and jump to assumptions--sometimes even thinking I must be on drugs. Their eyes would stop at my teeth and not realize I am not skinny enough to be on meth...and frankly, I would never touch that stuff. Mydad struggled with it all of his life till the day he passed away almost two years ago. It was the reason I didn't have a dad growing up until my step dad came into our lives, He has also since passed from covid. He was an amazing man, he touched my life and I miss him dearly.
Getting this fixed feels like closing a hard chapter and opening a brighter one. Thank you, truly, to every client who booked sessions, referred friends, or supported the business. You made this possible. Below are the before and after photos. I will admit it was really hard to take the before shot but I did it so I would have something to show. You see I had my tongue pierced when I was young and stupid. By the time I finally took it out for good the damage had already been done. The stainless steel ball ate the enamel off of my teeth. And that is why the were so bad. I wanted to have something to show people what can happen if you pierce your tongue and why it is not worth it.
You guys do not know how much this meant to me. To be able to smile again. I can not thank you all enough. I am in tears as I write this.
We also recently purchased a really nice used car. Practical upgrades like that feel huge when you are running a small business and juggling family life.
The "Bridezilla Gang" and Unexpeted Blessings
Yes, the same group has continued popping into commetns here and there trying to scare customers away. All they have really managed to do is shine a bigger light on Knapping Dragon Photography. The extra attention has brought even more wonderful clients my way. I am choosing to focus on the good people and the growing community rather than the drama and noise.
4th of July Fun in Pangburn
One of the highlights of the summer was having a booth and marching in the parade at the Pangburn 4th of July event. It was a blast--financially successful and full of great conversations. The absolute best part? The band that played right before the fireworks was Magnolia Brown, from my home town in Louisian. I known them, and hearing familiar music from home while celebrating with our little communtiy felt like a perfect full=circle moment.
Remembering My Cousin Raegan Lewis
Last month we lost my cousin Raegan Lewis to a sudden heart attack. He had just turned 52 a few weeks prior. He and I were very close, we grew up together, and his passing has hit me pretty hard. It was certainly a reality check because I am 48 not too much younger than he was. Grief like that has a way of slowing everything down and shifting your perspective. I'm still processing it, but I'm holding onto the good memeories and the reminder that life is precious and unpredictable. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.
Every Saturday at Pangburn Park: Miusic, Mini Sessions & Light Art
If you h avenb't made it out to Pangburn Park yet, come join us every Saturday for Music, Mini Sessions & Light Art!
This is a fun family-friendly community event I host to bring everyone together. Here is what you can expect:
Karaoke and Open Mic
Mini Photography Sessions
Light Painting Portraits after dark
face painting ( a new addition)
Worshp music, dancing with worship flags, and I'm happy to teach anyone who's interested in learning
It's a relaxed, joyful, atmosphere for the whole family--come hang out, make some memories, get creative pohotos, and enjhoy the evening with your neighbors. I'd love to see you there!
Family Milestone
On the home front, this is my youngest son's, RJ, senior year of high school. We homeschool, and he graduates next May. I am equal parts proud and a little emotional already. Time really does fly.
Hopefully I will be back to posting more regularly soon and I am looking forward to the rest of the year--seniors, families, events, and whatever creative sessions come next. If you've been waiting to book or just want to say hi, I am here and excited to catch up.
Thank you for your patience, your support, and for being part of this journey. Here's to a strong finish to 2026 and plenty more memories to capture together.
With gratitude, a humble heart and a brand new smile (thank you thank you thank you),
Lizzie Knapp
Knapping Dragon Photography
Cleburne County's Trusted Photographer
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