There is something about the way a picture can capture a moment forever that gives me an adrenaline rush. I have found myself loving photography for many years and the love has continued to grow as I have found myself exploring new places more frequently. There is something refreshing about going back and looking at my camera roll to see all the good memories I've shared with people or sometimes even memories I made by myself. There is an even greater love when it comes to capturing memories for other people.
I really found my stride with photography when I decided to buy my own camera and start a business. I didn't know how to advertise my business so I decided to create a Facebook page. I could have never imagined having over 400 fans because all I wanted was a place to share pictures for the people that trusted me to capture some memories for them.
When I go to photo shoots I love the excitement that people get and I love getting messages one hour after I get home saying, "I can't wait to see the previews!" There is something about seeing someone's face light up when they see an image of their family all laughing together and for one moment in time seeing that nothing else matters because they were together and happy. Another one of my favorite things about being a photographer is capturing a moment where a child is so full of life and knowing that even in only a year that child is going to look so different. However, because they decided to have pictures taken they will forever remember the adorable little child that smiles in the image that I took. An image that will remind the parents in 15 years about the precious child that they raised. I love receiving Christmas cards in the mail and seeing the pictures that I took. I feel so honored to know that a family trusted me to take an image that represents their family and then send it out to all of their friends and family.
Of course, the extra income that I get from taking pictures is nice, but in all reality it's more about creating the art. I've never been a very artistic person but photography is something that I've had an eye for. It's about creating unique images that capture the emotions of that moment. I know that I'm the crazy friend who asks for pictures at every event and the friend who asks her friends to go on spontaneous photo shoots but I have no regrets about this. There is nothing like going back and looking at pictures and remembering the memory that was made in that image because even if the people change in the image you took, the memories never do.
