Why am I photographer?
Those who know me can attest to my constantly full and social schedule. At 15 I was going to school, singing in choir, teaching dance, and washing dishes at a pizza place. At 20 I was taking 18 credits in college, teaching dance, working a sales job and mentoring little artists at the Boy's and Girls Club. And when I found out I was pregnant with Jack I was teaching art by day, choreographing musicals and teaching hip hop in the evening, and offering photoshoots on my weekends. I knew when that little baby came my whole world would change. I just didn't realize quite how much.
Fast forward to the end of my maternity leave. I was sitting in my car, pumping and crying. Classic new mom back to work moment. I had rehearsal after school for the musical and needed to email a bride back for her wedding coming up in two weeks. I was trying to squeeze Jack into my already excising crazy schedule. Turns out babies don't care about schedules, they just want their parents. Turns out I wanted the same, to spend more time with my tiny new bestie. That was what was the most important to me.
When I realized this was going to require me to give up some of my favorite things to fit in my new favorite thing, I was crushed. Would it be dance, the passion I'd been practicing weekly since I was a little girl? Would it be teaching, the degree I worked tirelessly at for years that I had just begun? Or would it be photography, the creative outlet that let me work with tons of amazing humans and create real art that would last a lifetime?
I made pros and cons lists and mind maps. I asked everyone I knew for advice. What I really needed to realize was that time was my most valued item. I needed more time to be a a mom, to rest, and to actually provide whatever career I chose the energy it would demand.
I photographed that wedding a few weeks later and it really sunk in as I was circling the dance floor laughing and capturing the sweetest moments for my couple. I loved capturing real life moments of real life people. So there was my choice. Made on the dance floor on a Saturday night.
I haven't looked back since. I have been able to be present with my little babes and give my clients my full level of energy and passion. And that is why I am a photographer. Thanks for reading!
