One of the first times I used a camera I was at a summer Girl Scout camp. At camp, your parents leave money at the trading post so you can buy different snacks and toys. Me being who I am, I spent most of my money on the disposable cameras and filled all three cameras that I was able to purchase. Of course my parents then had to pay for them to be developed, which wasn’t the smartest plan to leave money for me to use when I was younger. Those pictures ended up being entered into a competition while I was still in elementary school. My mom recently reminded me that those pictures were chosen, along with five other projects in the school district, to be displayed at city hall. I of course don’t remember this but she has a picture of me standing next to my poster, so I guess mom wins this memory challenge.

On my 16th birthday, I received my very own digital camera PLUS an extra lens. From that day forward I have taken pictures for pleasure and business. I have taken senior, engagement and competition pieces among countless others. I have taken so many pictures throughout my life I can’t even begin to guess how many I have taken. My pictures have appeared in yearbooks, websites, announcements, and in people’s homes. Some of my pictures have even made it onto the wall in our office at home (which is a large honor to be given by my mom) and onto countless desktops. I have even had people cry while looking at my pieces. (Now, I don’t know if they were just that crying because it was that bad or if they were actually that good, but there were tears.)

Over the years my parents have always encouraged to keep taking pictures and to keep pursuing my passion for photography. In college, I have used my camera to create an escape for my hectic life. Even though sometimes I go a while without taking pictures, I always come running back to it when I need to do something creative. When I take a picture that I love, I still send it to my mom so she can boost my ego (usually). Now I know everyone can “point and click”, but photography to me is more than just taking a picture, it is visiting an old friend who reminds me of why I’m doing what I’m doing.

P.S. Thanks Mom and Dad for giving me a friend who doesn’t give me that much sass!