How I Accidentally Became a Photographer (And Why It’s the Best Thing Ever)”
Alright, let’s get something straight. I’m not your typical “I’ve been in love with photography since I was in diapers” kind of photographer. You know the ones — they talk about how they picked up their first camera at the age of one, and from then on, it was a whirlwind romance of shutter clicks and dreamy bokeh. Yeah… not me. In fact, the sight of a camera used to make me run like someone had just yelled “FREE SPIDERS!” in my direction.
Being photogenic? Ha! Let’s just say if there was an award for “Person Most Likely to Look Like a Deer Caught in Headlights in Photos,” I would have been a world champion. But hey, I could hold a smartphone and take a mean picture of other people at touristy spots! That was pretty much the extent of my photography career — until things got interesting.
2016: The Year Everything Changed (Cue Dramatic Music)
My engagement photoshoot happened. Now, this was a big deal for me. I wasn’t too thrilled about being in front of the camera (flashbacks to the aforementioned deer-in-headlights look), but the shoot was a blast. I had so much fun, and guess what? I actually loved the photos. Like, really loved them. Shocker, right?
Fast Forward to 2018: My Wedding Day
Ah, my wedding day. The most magical day of my life, full of love, laughter, and the occasional chaos (because let’s be real, weddings are always a little chaotic). Fast forward a few weeks, and the gallery of our wedding photos hit my inbox. It was one of those stormy days where staying inside was the best option, so I curled up with my laptop and opened the gallery. Cue the heart eyes! I was head-over-heels for those photos like they were a cheesy rom-com, and I couldn’t wait to show my husband.
And here’s the thing — that moment of seeing our wedding photos, the pure joy it brought me, sparked something deep inside. I couldn’t shake this thought: I want to bring that same joy to other couples. It was like a little voice in my head was whispering, “Hey, you could totally do this photography thing.”
Wait, What? Me? A Photographer?
Yep. It was time to grab a camera, face my fears, and see if this newfound passion could actually go somewhere. I won’t bore you with the nitty-gritty details, but let’s just say I dove into the world of photography like a caffeine-fueled squirrel with a camera. I even went to college to learn the basics, because, you know, there’s more to photography than just pressing a button (who knew?).
Finding My Artistic Groove
Now, here’s where it gets fun. While the technical stuff was important, it was in the field — capturing real moments — that I truly found my groove. People started noticing my photos and telling me I had this natural eye for photography. I was like, “Wait, what? You mean me? The former deer-in-headlights girl?” But the more I shot, the more I saw it too. I had a special knack for capturing those unique, intimate moments and turning them into memories people cherished.
Been There, Awkward And All
And let me tell you something else: because I’ve been that awkward, unphotogenic person, I totally get what it feels like to freeze up in front of the camera. Believe me, I’ve lived that “what do I do with my hands?” moment more times than I’d like to admit. But because I’ve been there, I know exactly how to help you overcome that uncomfortable phase. Whether you think you’re “camera-shy” or “awkward,” trust me, we’ll laugh our way through it, and by the end, you’ll feel like a natural. Promise!
Fast Forward Again: The God-Given Talent I Didn’t Know I Had
After years of thinking I didn’t really have any special talents (don’t worry, we’re getting to the good part), I started seeing that this whole photography thing was something I was truly gifted at. And for the first time, I thanked God for a talent I didn’t even know I had. Now, every time I pick up my camera, my goal is to reflect His love in every photo I take.
So no, I may not have 30+ years in the industry, and I wasn’t born with a camera glued to my hand. But what I do have is a passion for capturing love stories — your love story — with heart, soul, and a whole lot of joy. Because let’s face it, your unique love deserves nothing less.
And there you have it! A story about how a girl who used to avoid cameras at all costs somehow found her calling behind the lens. God works in mysterious ways, right? And now, I get to create beautiful memories for couples who trust me with their most important moments — and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
LAUGH AND LOVE: TIPS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE ENGAGEMENT/ COUPLES PHOTOSHOOT EXPERIENCE!
