When I graduated I was so confident that I was going to ease into a job because of the education I had behind me. However, in reality, that really meant very little. I was a portrait photographer. No one cared if I went to Brooks or not. I moved back to Philadelphia thinking that I was just going to be able to jump start a business with ease. Well, it was like a slap in the face because that didn't happen. Actually, since I graduated I have been struggling to start a business. I put so much emphasis on creating jobs that I actually lost interest in what I had loved so passionately for so long. My work I began producing was mediocre at best. Some say that I am too critical of myself but I did not have any confidence in my work anymore. I looked at and thought it was terrible. It wasn't the work I knew I was able to produce. Then it got to the point where I put my camera down and it started to collect dust. How sad... It was so upsetting when I picked it up one day and literally had to dust it off.
About 4 years ago I was offered a job with a fine jewelry company. I think the only reason why I got the job was because they were desperate for someone. But having this job opened up an entirely new world of photography to me. Photographing fine jewelry is very difficult and a distinct specialty. I have learned so much about retouching and lighting techniques. Having this job definitely built up my confidence again to pick up my camera and photograph what inspires me.
Randomly, a little while back I ran into an old friend who also shares a passion for photography. It was so refreshing to be able to just sit down with someone and just talk about photography. I missed that. For 3 straight years, while in school, that is all I did. My friends and I would just talk about photography and artists and different lighting techniques. I have never felt so alive and at home with myself. Then when I moved back to Philadelphia, it was like it literally died. A part of me died and I didn't know how to get it back.
So, 11 years post graduation.... I am starting over. This is my new beginning. I have 2 amazing children who inspire me with their smiles, charm and sensitivity every day. As of late, they have been my main reason for dusting off my camera, picking it up and photographing pure beauty. I have found, since I have run into my old friend that photography has been re-ignited in me again. I feel like it is again a part of who I am. Thank you to her for helping me when she didn't even know I needed it so much.
I am starting a personal project called "One a Day". Everyday I will post one image that has captured my eye. It can be of anything at all...
Today, it is my beautiful niece.
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