The story of how I became a photographer is very similar to many other’s stories. And that’s ok, it really doesn’t matter how I got to this point, what’s matter is that i’m here now.

Like a lot of other women, I wanted a “big” camera when I was pregnant with my son. I wanted to be able to take nice crisp photos of him, because I was, and still am, terrible at iPhone photos. So I reached out to my wedding photographer and asked her what camera I should get. She recommended the Nikon D5300, which was the newest of the series at that time. I went to Costco and got the package deal and my husband gave it to me for Christmas. I had about three months before my son was born to practice and learn the camera.

Since I didn’t really have an inspiring subject, the camera sat. I didn’t even take it to the hospital when he was born. I bought the hospital pictures of him and I thought they were great (I know have a different opinion)!

When he was one week old I broke the camera out and took his newborn photos. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t hire a professional for this. I was not a professional at that point and I did not do those photos justice. When I took them, I was happy with them and did not feel like I needed to spend the money on a newborn photographer, but when I go back and look at the photos now, it makes me sad I didn’t invest in someone to document those first moments at home with him.

I continued to take a few photos of him here and there, but I knew I needed help. I had no intention of starting a business, I just wanted decent photos of my son! So, I invested in my craft, and I continue to do so to this day.

I found a mentor, I took a couple classes, I sent photos to photographer friends and asked for critiques, I took online workshops, in person workshops and one on ones. I got better. I learned my camera, by the time he was 9 months old I was considering taking clients. I started doing free sessions for neighbors to make sure I wanted to do it. I took an editing class. I took photos every day. I got better, I got a lot better. I kept practicing. Still to this day, I invest in education, I love learning new things, practicing them, and expanding my knowledge and skills.

I realized I had as much fun taking photos of other people as I did of my own kiddo so I went into business and started taking paid clients. All the while, still working full time for an energy marketing company. For the next year and a half this is what I continued to do. When I had my second son, I decided to go full time with photography. I worked hard at it for 7 months until we moved to Florida. I ddn’t think moving a business would be difficult, since I was from Florida, but it is. Florida is a different market, and i’m still trying to find my footing here. I’ve gone back to working full time and doing photography on the side but I love every single minute of it.

I wouldn’t change my story for the world. I had a muse, and he inspired me to be better. So I learned and practiced this craft, and I still do. I’m constantly investing in education to improve my skills. I thought it would be fun to share some of the first photos I ever took with my “big” camera. It really does show how I started out not knowing anything and how much I have grown in this art. Starting at the beginning with some more photos from recently.

I am photographing weddings in North Florida and Georgia now. Have you recently noticed i’ve been posting some wedding photos and thought, hey what’s up with that, I didn’t know she photographed weddings? Well, honestly, I was starting to photograph weddings in Seattle, but when we moved I held off on starting that side of the business here. No longer am I holding off though. I have and will be taking on wedding clients going forward!

Why did I decide to do Weddings again?

Well, I love them. I love all things weddings and I always have. I love the flowers, and music choices, dresses, and personalities, and of course love. I veered away from doing them when we first moved because it’s a lot of work. Between finding jobs, housing, and settling the kids to a new home. Then having another baby, I knew I didn’t have the time or energy to put into photographing a wedding and giving my clients everything they deserved.

Now that we are settled, I knew it was time to expand what I was working on. I started taking wedding clients again about a year ago and am excited for the weddings coming up this year.

What adding weddings looks like for the rest of my business

If you have been following me on my instagram or facebook for awhile you have probably noticed I primarily photograph high school seniors, newborns, and families. So what will this do for the rest of my business? Nothing! I will still photograph all the above categories as well. A lot of photographers specialize in one area or another, and truth be told, I like photographing a variety of everything. It keeps me fresh and keeps me from getting bored. I could never give up a senior session or a newborn, because I love photographing those. Families are just as important to me to capture the interactions and relationships between my clients.

An Elopement

Last month, I photographed my first elopement. Brandi and Ryan are such a sweet couple and their vows made me cry behind my camera! They also made the officiant cry. They are so sweet and their love is really true. I was so happy to be there to document their wedding day.

They have been together for several years and engaged for three. They finally decided to elope and get married and the day fit their personalities and their relationship perfectly. I couldn’t be more thankful for being invited into their day to document their wedding. Check out some of my favorites from their day!

Do you know someone engaged? Send them my way!