Why I Chose Photography after Graduating with My Masters in Education

In 2016, I graduated with my Masters in Education from The Ohio State University. I wanted to become a middle school science and language arts teacher. It would be a fulfilling and rewarding career with the security of knowing where my next paycheck is coming from. But throughout working toward my education, I captured moments and stories worth telling through my lens. And once graduation rolled around, I had to make a decision between steady and surprise. 

Woof. Rewind a bit.

In 2012, I started my photography business after backpacking through Europe with one of my wonderfully inspiring friends, Charlotte. During our travels, I felt the need to take pictures of every. single. thing. Rarely separating myself from my camera, I returned with a request from a friend asking me to take pictures at her wedding. I knew this was a huge responsibility (and whether I knew it or not, a pivotal point unfolding before me) but accepted the challenge. I spent countless hours pouring over books, watching tutorials online (hey, YouTube) and picking the brains of photographers who inspire me (hey Mom!). Flash forward and the wedding was a huge success. Both the bride and the groom loved their images. So much so, that some time later, I photographed her sister's wedding and starting a trend. 

That complicates things. What gave you the final push?

Well, like all good love stories, I wouldn't have taken the plunge to photograph full time without the help from my fiancé, Taylor. (Read more about how she inspires me on the reg here.)

Cue the "awww's!"

Ab. So. Lutely. Each and every day I count my blessings that countless people have chosen me when their live's milestones are met. Photographing someone on their wedding day and capturing those little moments that every photographer loves. Or photographing a newborn session for parents who will cherish the photos for years to come. Because of each of them, I am able to do what I love. I eat, sleep and breathe photography. I am never complacent and constantly yearn for and seek new techniques that will push myself to better my craft.