I remember the day I bought my first DSLR camera. My mom drove me to the local camera store, where little 14 year old me handed the salesmen $800 worth of babysitting and carwash money in exchange for a shiny, new Pentax KR with a kit lens. At the time, I wanted to be a high school science teacher when I grew up, telling myself that photography was fun and all, but could never be a “real” job.
When it came time to choose a college my senior year, I couldn’t ignore my love for photography or the fact that I had started to gain clients who actually paid me to photograph them. Thinking that this photography thing might actually work out, I decided against the traditional bachelors degree and pursued my dream of becoming a photographer.
Nowadays, I'm a full time wedding photographer! I work with amazing couples at beautiful venues during the best day of their lives. I couldn't ask for a better job. This past year, I made an effort to travel as much as possible and shoot in new locations! This goal brought me all the way across the pond to a workshop in France.
Hosted by Lauren Fair and Julie Paisley, 12 photographers had the opportunity to shoot in the French countryside. And let me tell you one thing about the French countryside, it is downright gorgeous! Rolling hills, lavender fields, cobblestone streets, a French chateau, it was the definition of heaven for a photographer!
I am so grateful for a job that allows me to travel, work with the best couples in the world, and frees me from the 9-5 schedule. Still, to this day, photography doesn't feel like a "real" job. I guess Confucius had a point when he said, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Amen.
Beautiful images and what a dream location!!! You're absolutely right- this job doesn't feel like a job at all because it's something I always WANT to be doing. :)
Fabulous photos and what an inspirational story :)
Loved the story. and the photos were fantastic!
Travel + flexible schedule = happy photographer and great images
Beautiful work! I had that same "this cant be a real job" thought when I first started too. I went back to college recently just to get a bachelors and make my mama proud but I still love photography and shoot constantly. P.S. I enjoyed shooting at Julie Paisley's workshop in Virginia a few years ago as well. She is amazing, I ended up shooting her promotional video in Florida later that year.