I never knew quite what to say when someone asked me “how did you get started in photography? In my mind, I think they are probably looking for some fluffy story of how my grandfather was a photographer or how I always wanted to be a photographer since I was a wee tike spending tons of time cutting photos out of magazines wishing to duplicate them one day, or how I’ve always wanted to see my name in lights so I set out to be some famous photographer from the time I could hold a camera -but that’s not exactly my story-AT ALL.
To be very frank, the short version is that I bought my first camera with insurance death money we received after my little sister Nicole’s fatal car accident. It wasn’t much-trust me. There’s no real fluffy way to tell it. It’s raw, it’s real and that whole experience influences the way I see the world and shoot. There’s this thing about grief, it puts you on the fast track to show you what’s REALLY important.
I realized while going thru a shoebox full of photos to display at her funeral, we didn’t have enough. Let’s be fare, would it ever be enough-probably not? But that feeling of “not enough” inspired me to give people what I wished I had. That’s my WHY, that’s why I show up at shoots with my equipment and my bubbly personality to document your life. I’m shooting for “your box” so that your family and friends never have to feel like there weren’t enough visual representation of you…so that one day, those images will help them heal.
I received that devastating news about my sister’s death almost 22 years ago. Back then, when I was in the lowest part of my grief, I would have never imagined I’d be a photographer. I would never imagined the relationships I would create because of the camera. I would have never imaged that I would laugh again, have fun again or be silly again or ever be back to my bubbly self. The very first camera I bought has literally changed my life and has helped me to heal.
At one point during this conference, we were riding the escalator down after one of the last classes. As we were moving, there was this sea of people swarming the bottom level and I thought to myself how lucky I was to be there. I needed this. As some of you know, my life has recently gone thru some changes and I think at some point during that process I lost a little of my spark. I spent way too much time being sad. I had a hard time seeing into the future and picturing my new life. This week away, among like minded individuals + mentors gave me back the joy. I left there so motivated and excited…and I realized, the camera once again was helping me to heal.
I know “my WHY” isn’t like everyone else’s that was walking around from class to class this week. I know I don’t have some exciting story about how I got into the photographic world. I know the images I create may never end up on billboards in NY City….but my sister gave me a gift and I feel like I’m keeping her memory alive thru my lens….and I was reminded this week about how happy that makes me feel.
Take a peek into what it’s like to throw thousands of photographers into one building….and see how I got a little bit of my spark back!
Imaging USA | Photography Conference
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We stayed at the Omni Louisville Hotel in down town and it did not disappoint! We spent lots of evenings networking, laughing and meeting new friends.
Funny story: On the very last day of my stay, I was leaving the room with my suitcases. A girl startled me from behind when she said “excuse me miss”. I jumped not expecting anyone to be behind me but there she was standing in the empty hallway in her underwear. She was clearly embarrassed and she explained how she ran across the hall real quick to get some ice for her room when the latch moved and locked her out of her room. She was standing there in her gutchies for quite some time waiting for someone to come. She didn’t want to go downstairs to the lobby wearing her skivvies and her phone was in the room….and then I show up! I had to go down to the front desk and explain what was going on so that they could send a female maintenance person with a special tool to pry the door back open. I know what you’re thinking….why didn’t she put clothes on before going to get ice? I don’t have an answer for that…maybe she loves living on the edge. hahaha!
Bless her heart as they would say in the south! haha!
I got to learn from Lindsey Adler, a fashion photographer based out of New York City. She’s a master of light!
We met new friends! We shared many laughs….some at all of our expenses! There’s hundreds of years of talent and experience in thee photos!
Fugi film was giving away this fun hats!
Sometimes you have to jump in front of the camera to remind yourself what it’s like for your clients.
Because I can’t take life too seriously!
I wish I could force myself to love Whiskey and Bourbon….I’m working on it! haha!
The Trade Show! It’s like a toy store for photographers. New products, little classes and demonstrations, networking, getting to know the faces behind the businesses and products I use. I always go there telling myself I won’t buy anything…..I’m a sucker though. I walked away with a purchase of a new camera body! Side note: I ordered it and it was delivered to my house within 12 hours!
I love our local photo community! Pittsburgh Photos Represent!
