How I Became A Photographer

Some photographer’s backgrounds start with, “I held a camera at 5 years old and knew that’s what I wanted to do.” I can’t say that. It took me a while to figure out what I really wanted to do when I grew up. I graduated from college with a social work degree and worked with disadvantaged youth for a couple years. Once my second child was born, I stayed home with my kids. When my youngest started kindergarten, I took classes to be a short term substitute teacher. I then subbed until accepting a job as a preschool teacher. (If you’re still reading, kudos to you for being able to follow all that!)

I loved taking pictures of my own kids at home but then I found it was a fun way to let my preschooler’s parents in on the school days. In May, I’d give them a little photo book of pictures taken throughout the school year. I loved seeing how much the parents enjoyed them. And the kids would get so excited to talk about each photo.

Then someone asked me to shoot their wedding. I honestly thought they were nuts! I had sworn I’d never do a wedding because it would be so stressful. I mean it’s someone’s “best day ever” and if you screw up, you can’t exactly ask for a do over. But my husband looked at me and said “Maybe this is all happening for a reason.” So during the 2012-13 school year, I ended up shooting 3 weddings. And by June 2013, I had put in my notice to the school district. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my little preschoolers. But I was SO in love with weddings!! Still am, obviously.

Fast forward more than 10 years later, I can’t believe this little business has become what it has. I have met the most amazing people and been able to document the most emotional moments of people’s lives. Whether it’s a proposal, wedding day, newborn or high school senior…each time someone invites me into their favorite life events, I feel SO incredibly honored. It may have taken me a bit to figure out that I wanted to become a photographer. But I am positive I am right where I’m supposed to be now 💛