Like most photographers out there, I have always loved photography. I love being able to capture a moment in time and have that little keepsake to look back on. My love for it grew of course once I had children. I wanted to document every stage they went through. Something to play around with. I wanted a physical reminder of just how little they were and their little baby features. It was hobby. I remember thinking when I met my wedding photographer that I was a little jealous that this is what she did for a living. Don’t get me wrong. I loved my career as a nurse anesthetist but as my family grew there were two things I couldn’t get out of my head- my desire to be more creative and to be more present for my family.
Never in a thousand years did I think that doing something outside of my formal education, especially having my own business would be possible. It was something other people did- not me. I went to nursing school, not business school. I have a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia, not fine art photography. But, I was so drawn to the idea of having these photographs not only for myself but for my children as well. I have these beautiful black & white photographs of my grandparents when they were young. I see them every day in my living room and I love it. I love that my kids see them every day. I was close with my maternal grandmother and some times when I am having a rough day, I will glance at her picture and think about what little bit of advice she would have for me.
In 2014, I had my 3rd baby and I included my grandmother in our newborn photos. As hard as it was to think about it, I knew she would probably never see me have another child. The photograph of myself, my children and my grandmother hangs on the wall in our entryway. I see it every single day and so do my kids. It helps us to keep our memories alive and remind us of the time we were blessed to spend with her. In 2015, before I started my business, I found out I was pregnant with my fourth baby. Shortly there after my grandmother became acutely ill. I was able to tell her I was pregnant before she passed away. I wished so badly that she could have met my son but I was so very grateful still that my older 3 had her in their life, even if it was just for a short time.
Even though my youngest never actually knew my grandmother, he knows her through stories and photographs. He sees that picture in my entryway of his brother & sisters with GiGi.
I decided shortly thereafter that I wanted to be able to do the same thing for someone else. I wanted to help them document the important milestones in life and to give them a way to tell their story. A way to pass their legacy along for many generations to come. Something tangible, something that would last.
And so in 2016, I took that leap. I had cut back working at the hospital and spent my time educating myself, finding a mentor, practicing and more practicing. I realized that if I wanted to be truly happy then I needed to take that chance. I no longer felt so tied to the “corporate” world and decided it was my life and I had the power to live it however I wanted.
I have a very supportive husband & family and without them, this would have been damn near impossible. The decision to step out of the box and do what my heart truly wanted to do has been incredible. There have definitely been some stressful moments but I try to remember the bigger picture- what I really want to accomplish. The one thing I appreciate the most out of all of this is the time I get to spend with my children. I know they are only little for so long and I will take advantage of being present for them as much as I can. Not everyone has that ability and I am so very grateful for it.
Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. Do what makes you happy.
