My Journey to Become a Photographer

I have a dream to become a photographer. Like, a really good photographer. Not because I want to make a lot of money and not just because I think it's something I could do. See, ever since I was a teenager, I have never felt like I had one single talent. I have never been good at anything. You know how ever so often you have to fill something out listing your hobbies, talents, interests, etc.? Yeah, the only thing I have ever had to put down was "reading" as an interest. I never felt like I had any talents, but worse yet, I never really realized that there was anything I could do about that! My husband of seven years has always noticed this and decided to help me do something about it! He has told me for years that he thinks I have an eye for photography and that I should pursue it. So, last May, for my birthday, he bought me a Canon Rebel Xsi and the "For Dummies..." book for my new camera. He told me that he wanted me to pursue photography because he thought it was a talent that I could develop and be good at, and he really wanted that for me. He wanted me to have something of my own and something to feel proud of. And that's when I was reminded that all of the talented people out there weren't just born with their talents developed. They DID SOMETHING to get where they are today!! They didn't keep saying, "Someday I'm going to learn to...." They signed up for lessons, checked out books, studied and practiced their hearts out! And I realized that I don't want to be 65 years old still saying, "Someday I want to learn the art of photography." I need to do it now!! It may take me years before I can take a decent picture, especially a picture anyone might pay money for, but at least someday it can be a possibility! If I don't do anything about it, it will continue to just be an empty thought! SO, I am done saying "someday" and now say, "today". I am SO excited about this journey. I now have something that I am passionate about! And kind of good at! I know I have SO much to learn and that I will actually never stop learning, but I am very excited to learn every bit of it. But this isn't only for me. I want to give back to others through my new found, (and ever growing), talent! I have decided that once I do start charging for family portraits, I am going to charge a VERY low price to those who are unable to afford nice family pictures. I worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters for years and during that time, met many wonderful single mothers who worked hard to support their families. I have always wondered what I could do to help these mothers, to give them a little boost and encourage them along their challenging path, and am excited to have a small way to give back.

I am not only sharing this story in hopes of earning a spot in Amy Wenzel's photography workshop (which would be my dream come true), but also to encourage others out there to pursue their dreams! To stop saying "someday" and start saying "today"!