How I Became a Photographer

People often ask me how long I’ve been a photographer.  The truth is that photography has always been a part of my life.  My dad was an amateur photographer and always had a darkroom.  I’ve always been around it and grew up with film photography. 

I was gifted my first camera when I eight, and have photographed my family, friends and world ever since.  Secretly, I always wanted to be a photographer, but was too terrified of the idea of talking to people, so I focused mainly on landscapes and my own family. 

I worked for years in the heartbreaking world of social work, never truly happy or fulfilled, siting on this pipe dream of mine.  I even bought a book one day between appointments, called “How to Start Your Photography Business”, which I read cover to cover and then shelved, not daring to think about that being my reality.

Years later, after my son was born, I was obviously taking a million photos of him because he was a gorgeous baby and I adore him.  I just realized it was now or never.  How could I tell this beautiful child that he could do anything he wanted in life, when I myself was afraid to do the same...?   

“Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their environment and especially on their children than the unlived life of the parent.”

― C.G. Jung

So I made up my mind and took the first steps to becoming a portrait photographer.  I started asking friends to sit for me and slowly built a portfolio.  Then, with great trepidation and herculean effort on my behalf to quell my anxiety, I photographed someone I didn’t know.  A stranger.  And do you know what?  I didn’t die.  I absolutely loved it, and now I cannot imagine doing anything that would bring me more joy. 

What is it that brings you joy?  That you would do no matter what?   The thing that makes you lose track of time when you’re doing it… Do more of that thing!  Give yourself permission to explore it fully.  You only have this one life, and there’s no time for regrets.  Once you take those first baby steps, the next ones get easier and easier.  But you do have to take that first step.  I know how scary it is.  You don’t have to have it all figured out, you just have to start.  Why not do it today? 

What is it that’s holding you back? I’d love to hear from you!  Let’s start the conversation to get you going!