It’s often said that sometimes in life things just find you. They choose you. You can deny what is inevitable or you can choose to follow the path you were meant to follow.
From the time I was a small child, I had a camera in my hands or I was making and/or creating something. I still remember my first floppy disc camera. Wow, I’m getting old. I’m sure my parents would say it was a curse in some ways since I never fancied toys much like normal children. I was an electronics kid. Expensive it was, but they always found a way to get me what I wanted. They were amazing like that. I found joy behind the camera. I hid myself behind it for a long time and I still do most often. I found that my uncomfortable state in front of the camera could be eased by being behind it.
My love for photography and videography grew even more prevalent into high school when I joined journalism and yearbook back in 2003 and I was able to get hands on experience for the first time with some of the major editing software giants as well as the foreign world of Apple. Learning to navigate and/or troubleshoot those type programs was a vital aspect in building my career and I owe much of my success in photography to those classes.
I furthered my love for photos and video after high school with several art classes and digital photography classes. I found after obtaining a degree in Criminal Justice that I learned the art aspects better on my own. I was my best teacher in that regard. I photographed family members first. With each photo I took I questioned my abilities and lack thereof. Some would say I was harsh on myself as the compliments of the photos rolled in; however, I knew what professional was and I lacked the professional grade that I needed to make it. I pushed myself harder. I got my first digital SLR in 2009. The wonderful Nikon D60. While working full time at a law firm and going to school, I studied nights on end and I reviewed each photo I took with precision. You see, I had to learn the hard way that it is not our camera that takes a good photo. It is the person behind the camera. I knew if I was going to improve I would need to pin point my issues and resolve them. If I could give advice to a new photographer I would say, be your worst critic in a way that you are able to see things you should improve upon. Be able to see a poorly exposed shot. Be able to see when a shot is blurry. Just because Aunt Jane says the photo is AMAZING…doesn’t always mean it’s amazing. That’s harsh information to swallow but it’s that mentality that will drive you further. Rejoice in your accomplishments along the way. Don’t be so hard on yourself that you don’t recognize the improvements you’ve made. Lastly, never settle for just a plain photo. Make them unforgettable. Make them incredible. Strive for that always.
I enjoy what I do on a level that makes me so excited for what tomorrow will hold. For what new thing I will learn or for the beautiful subjects I’ll have in front of my camera. I’ve often seen it written so many times…do what you love. I am thankful to my God above all for giving me this talent. I do believe it is a God given talent. Secondly, I want to thank my husband who works so hard and allows me the freedom to go after my dreams.
❤ ❤ ❤
samjembryphotography 