It was just about a year ago that I started my official photography journey.
I've always loved taking photos and freezing memories. It's just something I've always done since forever. I remember when I still had my disposable cameras and I would go through them like - well like they were disposable 😊. Then I graduated to a real camera. with film. and lab processing. and always ordering doubles. (remember that?). And then I got my first digital camera as a birthday present and I treasured that for a very long time. Until the day I got my first DSLR and it opened a whole new world for me.
Of course, like many moms with cameras and an overflowing passion for preserving precious memories, I wanted to offer this gift of capturing these treasured moments to other families.
So last December I decided to start portfolio building for my photography career. I learned very quickly that in line with my own natural leanings, I didn't like to interrupt moments or create faux connections.
And that's how I discovered the big beautiful world of family storytelling photography, also know as family photojournalism and family documentary photography. Learning the skill and technique from giants in this industry, joining supportive communities, learning some more, practicing, and learning some more and then some more has really brought me to the place I am today.
Starting with a 365 project last January in which I set out to take a photo a day, has enabled me to see and use different lighting opportunities and challenges as they present themselves. Admittedly I didn't make it too far into my 365 journey, but I do make it a point to pick up my camera every day. I may not have a portfolio worthy photo everyday, but I have a memory for us, unique to our family for (almost) every day of the past year. Slowing down and seeing every action and interaction and has helped me be more present in our day to day lives.
Over the last couple months, I have been privileged to photograph some of the sweetest families. Documenting a typical evening routine, a trip to the bakery, holiday preparations and long summer days, I have been able to create images that show them just how beautiful their simple lives really are.
I can not wait to see what 2017 has in store for me, for my family and for my clients.
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