How I Became a Photographer (Again)
At some point during my transition into adulthood, I convinced myself that I wasn't the creative type. I'm not exactly sure when this happened, but I believe it was during my corporate era. I worked in retail where creativity was nonexistent, as I built displays strictly according to the instructions in the book. Later, in my office job, my days were consumed by emails, phone calls, meetings, and trainings, none of which were meant to be visually pleasing.
But then, everything changed when I had a baby.
There are numerous exceptional photographers out there who don't have children. Annie Lebovitz, for instance, was already one of the most acclaimed photographers of our time before becoming a parent. Having children is not a prerequisite to being a photographer, nor does it automatically provide inspiration.
However, my daughter, Lucy, became my muse.
Initially, I relied on my iPhone to capture moments. If you were to browse through my camera roll, especially during my maternity leave, you'd find hundreds, maybe even thousands, of pictures of her. Most of them are unremarkable, yet they hold immense significance to me. Nevertheless, my favorite shots were taken by our family photographer. Those images were crisp, clear, and vibrant, and most importantly, I was included in them. In many other pictures, I was usually behind the camera, and when my family or husband took photos, they were often quick snaps with their phones, devoid of any guidance on posture or posing.
Over time, my desire to capture beautiful images outgrew the capabilities of my iPhone, prompting me to purchase an entry-level Canon camera. This wasn't my first camera experience, though. In high school, I owned an old film Nikon and immersed myself in photography for a photojournalism class, the yearbook, and the school paper. The joy I experienced back then resurfaced as I began using my first DSLR camera almost two decades later.
Subsequently, after six months of grappling to understand my camera, I enrolled in a class offered by a talented local photographer. It was the first investment I made in myself following the camera purchase. That half-day session was like pouring gasoline on smoldering embers. I left her house feeling considerably more comfortable with my equipment and brimming with excitement. From that point onward, I became a dedicated student, devouring YouTube tutorials, books, and joining photography forums, all while capturing images almost daily.
Eventually, I recognized my yearning to take photographs for my friends and family in the Orlando area, leading me to market mini sessions in a home studio I had meticulously crafted while saving up for a professional-grade camera. I acquired my own domain, established a small business, and immersed myself in the world of photography.
Now, every session I book, whether it's a quick professional headshot or a family session amidst Orlando’s captivating landscape and landmarks, fills me with excitement. I relish seeing my clients during their sessions and catching up with them, giving them guidance, connecting with them and having fun with them, and the process of sitting down with a memory card full of files to edit brings me immense joy. Photography has become the passion that truly nourishes my soul.
