Camera in hand looking down at the electronic viewfinder of a Nikon Z6, I’m wondering how I got to this moment. Attempting to get the perfect bokeh effect, while maintaining crystal clear focus of the petit fours on the dessert table, how did I get to this place in life? I’m photographing an event in an elegant ballroom, in a historic hotel in Baltimore, MD. Where did this journey begin?
Where it all started.
If I take an honest evaluation of the circumstances and reflect through the years of my life, I have to say the journey began in high school. I was ahead of the curve and didn’t have enough required courses to fill my schedule, while at the same time being too young to go to the community college to take courses, so I chose to take photography. Walking down the dead-end dusty hallway, staring at “The False Mirror” 1929 painting by Rene Magritte that was displayed over the darkroom entrance, before turning right into a classroom filled with my lively classmates. I never imagined that this single moment would have had such an impact on my life. Taking a course in photography and receiving a camera from my pastor would have such a significance on my future decisions and plans.
When the past impacts the future.
Starting my journey in photography was not an easy decision to make mainly because I already had an established career and a solid family commitment. I was not interested in discovering a new venture. After having two unsuccessful business attempts. I was content with my current life’s situations and didn’t want for anything more. I really didn’t need the extra responsibility. Then here comes a social media post from a local photographer searching for an assistant to help with their business operations. Me, being the person that I am and never wanting to see any one fail, I saw this as an opportunity for a barter situation.
Where there's an obstacle, there's an opportunity.
There I was being elevated as a business manager for a photography studio and receiving amazing portrait sessions for my family. In my mind, this was a win-win situation. Until, one day we needed a second shooter and I’m thrown into the position to take photos. I felt intimidated, but at the same time confident. From that moment, I propelled into photography, and I didn’t look back. I invested in a Nikon Z6 Camera and a 50mm 1.8 Prime lens. It wouldn’t be until months later I would invest in a CRM and a website.
When putting fear aside wins!
When deciding to take on a new project or changing the normal circumstances of life it can be overwhelming to consider the fact that you might fail. While failure is a recurring element of success, it doesn’t make it a comfortable situation. Any fear can be overwhelming, but fear shouldn’t prevent you from trying something different. The measure of success is what you make it. Count every victory, large or small, as a step closer to success and even when you think you’ve made it, there’s always more to accomplish. Starting a new journey in photography doesn’t come without its challenges, but take every moment as an opportunity to learn. You will have days where everything you shoot will be out of focus, your flash will consistently misfire, clients will inquire and not commit, someone will attack your art on social media posts, all of this and more will happen, but it shouldn’t stop you. Every moment, mistake, embarrassment, success, each takeaway builds, creates, develops the potential within to be the most amazing photographer.
