For about two weeks now I've been contemplating, how am I going to do this? How am I going to let people in? How will they learn who I am? To know the real me... I think I've written about myself on my blog, but was it enough?
Things happen for a reason. I truly believe that. For instance, before I actually had kids, I wished that my future first child would be born in the month of June (the month my husband was born) or July (my birthday month). I got pregnant when I was 24. A couple of weeks after learning I was pregnant and after the first ultrasound, I had a miscarriage. I was devastated. It was hard to be around people with kids. Soon after (possibly a couple of months later), I learned I was pregnant again. This time with twins :) I learned that at my "official" ultrasound. The part where I believe things happen for a reason is my first little peanut would have been born in May. Our twins were born in July. See what I mean?
So as I sit here, painting my nails with "It's Bouquet with Me" by Sephora by OPI, I think the great reason for me waiting to tell my story was because the universe, or God, wanted me to wait for the perfect time. And the perfect time has come.
Last year I was introduced to a lovely wedding photographer named Katelyn James. She's based out of the east coast and she's fantastic! Not only is her work simply to die for, but she's a Jasmine Star bride. What?!?! I would give anything to be a j* bride :)
Anyhow, just today Katelyn James announced a contest to win a seat to her Workshop Experience. Click here to find out more. In order to enter the contest one would have to tell her their story, and why we would want to go. It's all adding up, isn't it? I wanted to tell my story a few weeks ago. For some reason I couldn't find the perfect time to write it. And well...it looks like now's the time.
I got my first camera when I was, I believe in 6th grade. I think I was 11 or 12. It was actually a Christmas gift from my parents. I think I even saw her buy it for me when we were shopping for Christmas gifts at Sears. :) It was a Kodak point and shoot and I loved it! I remember taking it to school and taking photos of my friends.
In high school and community college, I took photography classes. I believed that I wanted to be a photographer. I didn't know what type, but I knew I had fun being behind the camera. And it was super fun developing my photos in the darkroom.
I left community college early to follow the love of my life. He was in training for the Air Force. My love took me to Texas to be with him.
In December 2003 we got married in City Hall. How ironic is this? I have no photos of us on our wedding day. Me, a photographer (or back then a wishful photographer) had no photos from our special day. That's one thing I regret...not having photos. Another? Not wearing a wedding dress. I would love to go back and change some things, but in all honesty it was perfect because it was just us two. And that's all we had back then. If I could do another wedding, to say, renew our vows and finally get that wedding that I dreamed of (wedding dress, photos, family and all) I totally would do it. Hear that Babe??? :)
Attending Katelyn James' Workshop Experience would be perfect for me because I've only been at this (being a professional photographer) for over a year now. (Oh, did I mention a part-time professional photographer?) I've shot 2 weddings, assisted in 2, and photographed a wedding reception. I know there's a lot I need to learn. I also know this is something that I want to do for the rest of my life.
Up until late last year I wasn't sure what type of photography I wanted to do. Just starting out I wanted to do everything. To get my feet wet and see what I liked.
True story...Just today I told a co-worker that I want to specialize in Weddings and Boudoir. I've never really told anyone that (other than my husband and friend). I was scared to announce what I actually wanted to do, or specialize in.
I would love to attend Katelyn's workshop to soak up all the knowledge I can gain. From shooting the little itty bitty details to big giant wedding parties. From turning that inquiring engaged couple to a Veronica Hudley Designs bride and groom. I want to make my clients say "Wow...I love her and her work is out of this world!" I don't necessarily want to be the best in the world, or be top photographer in a certain year. I just want to make my clients proud that they chose me and to spread the word. :)
If for some reason I don't win this contest (because again, things happen for a reason), I will be okay with that because this allowed me to finally tell you all a little more about me. And I hope you're able to find some sort of connection to me. And to help you out even more, here are my top 5 current favorite TV shows :)
1.) The Voice - I love, love, LOVE Adam Levine!!! And Blake too :)
2.) Glee - Finn is soooo HOTT!!!
3.) Say Yes to the Dress - Gotta love dress shopping, or any shopping :)
4.) Four Weddings - Love to see what each bride does with her wedding
5.) One Tree Hill - I've only become a fan possibly 2 seasons ago. I'm sad that they're going away :(
Oh wait...one more...you can never go wrong with Friends. :) I love staying up and watching Friends on Nick at Nite. :)
Cross your fingers for me! :)
