My Journey in Photography

My Journey in Photography: From Passion to Perseverance

Photography has been a part of my life since the 8th grade, when I first stepped into the world of public school after being homeschooled for most of my life. The transition was overwhelming, but it opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. One of the most pivotal moments of my early school years came when I was required to choose an elective. Instead of selecting something more traditional like band, choir, or physical education, I opted for photography. At the time, it was just a curious choice, something that sounded interesting and different. Little did I know, this decision would set me on a path that would influence my personal and professional life for years to come.

The photography class I enrolled in during my 8th-grade year was a bit chaotic. While I learned the basics—such as how to operate a DSLR camera and the importance of the Rule of Thirds—I didn’t walk away with a deep understanding of the art. However, what really sparked my interest was a field trip to the local STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) school. During that trip, I was exposed to the Mass Communications program, which offered courses in photography, journalism, graphic design, and more. Although I was initially intimidated by the environment and the intensity of the program, I couldn’t ignore the pull I felt toward it. On the very last day to sign up, I decided to take a chance and apply, unsure of what would come next. To my surprise, I was accepted into the program.

Starting Mass Communications in high school was a life-changing experience. I spent the next few years immersed in a 1.5-hour Mass Communications class, coupled with a 1.5-hour English class. The combination of these two subjects opened up a world of possibilities, and I developed a deep love for storytelling. Through this program, I honed my skills in journalism, graphic design, photography, writing, and even film production. It was here that I began to understand photography not just as a technical skill but as an emotional tool—one capable of capturing stories, evoking feelings, and sharing perspectives.

The following years were filled with incredible experiences. I was introduced to a variety of readings—Life of Pi, October Sky, and In Cold Blood, among others—that not only challenged me intellectually but also influenced my creative process as a photographer. The field trips and projects I undertook fueled my passion for the craft, and I graduated a year early, filled with a sense of purpose and excitement for the future. Yet, despite all my training and dedication, I chose not to pursue photography in college. Instead, I decided to follow a different path, studying political science and economics. Looking back, I can’t help but wonder what could have been if I had chosen to study photography further, but life has a way of leading us down unexpected roads.

While I was studying political science, my love for photography never faded. In fact, I started my own photography business while working at Chick-fil-A to make ends meet. At first, my business struggled—I made plenty of mistakes, had a lot of learning to do, and often found myself feeling frustrated by how slowly things progressed. I started with amateur photo sessions, gradually improving my editing style and learning the ins and outs of client work. Eventually, I found myself photographing weddings and graduation sessions, and with each shoot, I began to refine my skills and grow more confident in my ability.

However, as I began to invest more time into photography, I couldn’t help but notice others around me who seemed to thrive with little effort. There was a photographer I worked with at Chick-fil-A who, with no formal training, managed to build a successful business just by posting on Instagram. She quickly gained a large following and started booking clients left and right, while I struggled to find my own footing. This caused a great deal of jealousy and discouragement on my part, leading me to ultimately quit photography for almost two years.

During this break from photography, I wrestled with my emotions and my sense of failure. The last session I photographed was a spring wedding in 2023, and despite my best efforts, my name still wasn’t recognized in the industry. But as I began applying for jobs after college, I started praying—praying for guidance, for direction, and for the trust to follow the Lord’s will. It took nearly a year of job applications before I finally found a position that didn’t even make sense. I didn’t touch my camera until my sister-in-law’s wedding, a year and a half later.

That wedding shoot was a turning point for me. As I picked up my camera again, I realized how much I had missed it and how much joy it brought me. The images turned out beautifully, and for the first time in a long while, I felt truly connected to my photography. Yet, even as I rediscovered my passion, I knew deep down that full-time photography wasn’t the direction the Lord had in store for me. It’s a bittersweet realization, but one that has brought me peace.

Now, I am using my photography as a creative outlet for this blog. If my photos serve a purpose in sharing my journey or help document moments along the way, then that’s enough for me. I’ve learned that my path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s, and I don’t need to compare myself to others. Photography will always hold a special place in my heart, and while it may not be my full-time pursuit, it will forever be a part of my story.

I hope you can relate to my struggles with jealousy and the frustration of seeing others seemingly “succeed” faster. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind, but through it all, I’ve learned that the Lord’s plans are far greater than my own. His timing is perfect, and I’m learning to trust that my journey, though different from others, is exactly what I need.

Thank you for reading my story, and I hope it resonates with you. No matter where you are in your own journey, remember that God has a plan for you. His mercies are new every day, and His plans will always be better than our own.