(continuing from Why Photography part 1)…
Fast-forwarding to late-high school/college, I was lucky enough to have a friend who’s father was a photographer, with his own darkroom, and I was able to learn how to develop black and white film – I loved it and was sure that when I became an adult I would have a darkroom somewhere in my house. (I obviously wasn’t planning for the whole digital thing!) I worked part-time for a professional wedding photographer during college who’s work I really admired, and quickly found myself absorbing everything I could about photography, from lighting to posing, and also found myself interested in the business aspects as well. I attended several conventions and classes by the professional associations in this area, and was lucky enough to listen and learn from some very well-respected photographers of the time. I even modeled at a PPNC (Professional Photographers of North Carolina) convention once for Don Blair (you may not recognize the name, but most any portrait photographer would if they’re been in the business for more than a few years!) I watched an amazing presentation by Monte Zucker there, and was really struck by his incredible use of light – it was truly like he was a magician. Almost 20 years later I found myself reading his photography forum on the net, and was inspired once again.
I was lucky enough to marry my soul mate, James, and later to have two beautiful children together. I made the decision to be a stay-at-home mom, and was truly blessed to be able to spend so much time with my children during their early years. With Jillian in school and Zander approaching kindergarten-age, I was struck with the reality that I really had no idea what I wanted to do once my time was my own again. My career before children had been interesting (web design) but the thought of going back to that just didn’t excite me at all. I thought of returning to college, but had no set goal in mind for that either.
One late night, James and I were talking about this (for probably the hundredth time) and he asked the simple question – “What are you interested in? Think about what you would like to do for fun, not work.” He brought up photography, since he knew a little of my past interest – and my first reaction was no way could I do that – too much time had passed, I had no idea about digital anything, and besides, where would I get the money required for all that expensive equipment. But the seed had been planted, and before I knew it I found myself immersed in anything and everything I could find about photography. I realized that I knew much more about photography than I gave myself credit for – and that I was right about knowing NOTHING about digital! But I’m a fast learner. I attended the PPNC convention in February 2008, this time as an actual photographer though I had not yet officially started my studio. I spent months learning everything I could and though I tried to keep it in check, my excitement was building. It just seemed so late in life to be starting a completely new career, much less trying to start my own business on top of that. Then a wise friend gave me some of the best advice – “It’s not too late – life is long. There’s no reason why you can’t start something new, and everyone deserves to pursue their own happiness.” So that’s just what I’ve been doing and there’s no going back now!
