Why Photography?

Although there is a science behind taking good photographs, I am driven by heart to do what I do.  Even before I knew the proper terminology, (exposure, aperture, f-stops, shutter speed, ISO...) I knew what it felt like to have a photo just blow me away.  From the time I was old enough to hold a camera I have wanted to record moments in time so that I could put them in my pocket and revisit them again and again.  Back in the days of film I would take my rolls into Rite Aid, fill out the white and blue envelope with the funny gummy glue at the top, check the little box for doubles so I could share them with a friend, and eagerly anticipate the moment when they were done being developed.  Then, as soon as I'd pay, before even walking out the automatic doors, I was shuffling through my photos laughing and remembering.  Of course at that time I didn't know anything about photography except how it made me feel to hold a moment in my hand.

If that was the way my journey into photography began, it's only natural that having a child would lead me even more into a desire to record memories.  But with the birth of my daughter, my photography has developed into an art.  There is no more beautiful canvas to me than my daughter's sweet face.  And when I take a photo that I deem AMAZING, like the one above, it is usually because it records something special about her personality.  And to be amazing, a photo has to draw me in to the point where I don't want to look away.

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉    

So if I know how photography makes me feel, and I have the knowledge and the equipment required to take memorable photos, it makes me want to give this feeling to others.  After a recent photo shoot on the beach, a Lightning Session which lasted only 20 minutes, a mom of an adorable little boy contacted me and thanked me for giving her such a gift.  I hadn't thought of it that way until she put it into those words.  But THAT is why I am doing this.  I am not taking photos to make money, to become famous, to compete in the professional photography world....  I am taking photos so that I can help people freeze their own moments in time, hold them in their pockets, and keep them always.  And in the process I am allowed a glimpse into their hearts as well.