Well, well, well. The blog has gotten a bit quiet lately, eh? That’ something I’m hoping to change very shortly. I’m planning on bringing a lot more action to this blog and hopefully sharing a bit more personally with my readers (all three of you) about my life, where I’m headed and what I’m up to lately!
I wanted to take a few minutes and sit down just to write out the journey I’ve made in these last 3 years as a photographer. It’s been quite incredible and driving home tonight I just felt absolutely floored by the inspiration, encouragement, and number of helping hands I’ve received as I’ve made this dream into a reality.
Three years ago, about this time I began to really dive deep into the photography world. I had gained a love for it and began to feel that this would be something I would be good at. All I had to back that up was a few “good” photos from my parent’s point-and-shoot camera and a desire to learn more but I was determined to make it work! Thus began the time of convincing my Dad to sell his old film SLR cameras that were collecting dust in his closet (I regret not having those now), and buy my first DSLR, the Canon Rebel XS. All I did then (and since then) was constantly shoot. Shoot whatever’s going on around me and continually push my skills and ideas forward to become the best photographer I can be. Of course, this process is never, ever going to be finished.
So then came my very first client, Jeremy who is the brother of my brother-in-law. Turns out, he needed Senior pictures and I needed to start shooting real people instead of my dog, family, and stuff around the house. It was a match made in heaven. Totally unsure of myself I stepped out for my first shoot with a real client. I was nervous and anxious, but confident in my abilities and EXTREMELY excited for the opportunity. So I did Jeremy’s session, finished the photos and returned them to his family who loved them. This was an indescribable feeling. Finishing something that wasn’t just work, it was a part of me. A part of my being and my creativity was lodged in those photos and I got to present them to a family as the remembrance of his senior year. I knew there had to be something to this whole photography thing.
Things kind of expanded from there, slowly of course, but I was persistent in my prayer and work ethic. Soon, another senior came along, and another, and then families, and then finally, in October of 2009 I had my first shot at something I’d been dying to have the opportunity for: a wedding. Mind you, I had never had a camera in my hand at a wedding in my life. Heck, I don’t even think I had been to a wedding since I had gotten seriously into photography and would’ve checked out the photographer. This would never be a route I would advise someone to take, I definitely believe highly in second shooting for another photographer many, many times before diving head-first into the wedding market. Alas, this is what I did and I was lucky it worked out very well for me. Erin + Alan were my very first couple ever and I’m so, so thankful that they saw something in me and trusted their amazing day in my hands for my very first time. That was when I knew for a fact that I could shoot weddings and people for the rest of my life and be completely happy. That night, (and every wedding since) I just stood in the reception, looking around at all of the wonderful people having an awesome time, and I’m just awestruck at what I get to do for a living. I wasn’t sure this was going to become my full-time career, I figured I’d always just keep it as a side gig and make my money somewhere else. Following the advice of my former boss and amazing business mentor though, I decided to run after it wholeheartedly and not look back.
So here I am, over three years later. I’ve had the opportunity to work with dbusiness Magazine, volunteer with Northridge Church and MissionTri, and just hang out with legitimately awesome people. I went from one wedding in a year, to five weddings, to twenty-five weddings and I’m so incredibly grateful for each and every one of my friends, family, and supporters who have made this journey possible thus far. I’m filled with joy beyond words and I fear I’ll never be able to thank anyone enough. I could’ve never imagined myself here three years ago, and I hope I have that same feeling three years from now.
Here’s to humble beginnings, creativity and always learning and growing. Here’s to finding something you love and enjoy and running after it with reckless abandon, no matter what age you are. Thank YOU for making it all possible.
P.S. I had to leave you with this picture of my dog, Jack. Number one, cause he’s just a good looking dog. Number two, because I’m committed to blogging more about my personal life. If I start slacking off on my blogging again, let me know. I owe a $5.00 Starbucks gift card to whoever catches me in the act. 
Photo of myself provided by The DuckDuck Collective.
