How I Got Started in Photography

Welcome to my very first blog series explaining how I got started in my photography business and how I got to where I am today! Photography has been something that I have always had an interest in. Growing up, my parents would get me disposable cameras that I could take with me on vacations. As I got older, I got my very first point and click camera and would constantly take pictures of my dogs, friends and even myself. I look back at pictures I took of my best friend nine years ago and I just simply laugh because they were terrible. But at that time, I thought they were amazing.

Once I got a little older, I was given my first DSLR camera. I had no idea how to really even use this camera, so it was always in auto mode and I would just start clicking away. During this time, I somehow decided to start doing photoshoots. (Next week, I’ll tell you all about my first three photo shoots…stay tuned for that!)

Since I was taking pictures of more than just my dogs, I decided it was time to make a Facebook page! Fast forward a few years and I started to schedule more photo shoots and I quickly realized that I wanted photography to be more than just a hobby… I wanted it to be a career. At this time, I upgraded my camera and actually learned how to use it in the manual setting. I started investing in my equipment and education for my photography business.

Many people ask me if I am self taught or if I took classes to learn what I know up to this point. Honestly, my answer would have to be a little bit of both! I would say I am mainly self taught while continuing to learn the different camera settings, which helped me get a gradual knowledge of photography. When I first went off to college, I took several photography classes and I learned quite a bit, and they challenged me in different ways than just taking pictures of people.

However, I have to say that I got so much inspiration and knowledge from some amazing ladies in the photography industry! I’m sure they don’t even know the positive impact they have made in my life! It’s thanks to these ladies that I am where I am today in my business: Megan, Kari, Becca, and Katelyn.