How Photography Has Changed Me

I have been thinking and reflecting the past few days about my years as a photographer. I tried to imagine who I would be if I was never a photographer and I can say I would be a very different person.
When I was in high school, I had no idea what I was good at. Other than playing a clarinet in the band decently, I didn’t have talents, direction, or passion about anything. I considered being a dental assistant because I just wanted to do something. I am laughing so hard now that I even thought that. Then God put a camera in my hand in some of my dark days to follow graduation and then it began.
I am naturally a very shy, introverted person. I used to struggle talking to new people and trying new things. I laugh now because I used to be nervous ordering food because I didn’t know the person and didn’t want to sound like an idiot. Crazy, I know. But once I got started in this career as a wedding photographer all of that was challenged.
Meeting new people and going to new places became a just a given part of life and I just had to do it. And through that I grew so much. I know being an introvert is a part of who I am and I am ok with that but I feel like I have overgrown my shyness in many ways. I can meet new people easily now and have learned that they have incredible stories if I open up and listen. Now I still have shy streaks in me but I have learned to go with it and stop thinking of myself so much.
I have met SO many people because God brought us together through my camera. It is crazy to think about that if I wasn’t a photographer I wouldn’t have any other reason or avenue to meet these people. Kind of blows my mind and leaves me in a place of deep thankfulness. Clients have become friends and I have had small chances to invest in people’s lives.
Through photography too I have flown by myself, gone to places where I knew nobody, have driven to different states, and been in different environments. I jumped out of that comfort zone and was surprise. All because God’s plan for me in this season was to take pictures. It goes so much beyond the camera. It is so cheesy but photography has been lifechanging. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
This picture I cherish and if I wasn’t a photographer I would have never met these two.
So to all of my clients, friends, and family, thank you for helping me in my dream. For supporting me and loving me and adding to this lifechanging experience!
Love to you all!