I remember as a girl growing up in a small town. My only outlet was thumbing through magazines like YM (Young Miss), Seventeen, Teen Vogue, Teen, Cosmogirl, Elle. As I got older, the magazines grew up as well. I may have read a few articles, but I did admire the photographs of the models. The layout, the colors, how the makeup was displayed. During that time, I was sure I wanted to become a photographer.
It didn’t happen right away, I joined the Navy and spent two years working as a mechanical engineman. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, I worked for years for doctors, lawyers, property management, etc. Trying to find my place in the “corporate world” all along being a photographer on the side. It wasn’t until 13 or so years ago that I came to the realization that my talent, my hobby is what I needed to do full time instead of part-time.
The whole time while working for others all I could think of was job security. Then it hit me, isn’t photography considered a job as well? I can still get the security I needed by being my own boss and loving what I do. I can avoid the stress, the headache of commuting to work without being late. No more waking up early or working weekends and some holidays. I’ll be able to call the shots. Set my own hours and choosing when and where I want to work.
And that is what I did. I gained my business, by first photographing people I knew. Giving them a compensation package for just posing for me. I then created a website, ordered cards, made brochures and just went to town. It wasn’t easy, and success just didn’t happen overnight, it was hard work and had to gain the respect with the work I did. Not everyone enjoyed or understood what I did, some rely heavily on the usual stale poses from other establishments. I do things differently when it comes to my own style and the way I photograph.
I’ve been a professional photographer now for the past 13+ years never looking back to the corporate world. Creating beautiful art for clients is an enjoyable endeavor. I plan next to travel with my camera and capturing more images in different areas of the world. My specialty is graduating seniors, children, family portraits, pet photography and nature photography. I have considered doing more to add to my photographer resume.
I have two websites for viewing, one for my studio when doing portraits https://eyeofthebeholder2014.weebly.com/ And https://tjartphotostudio.weebly.com/ for the sell and viewing of my nature photography. You can also follow me on Instagram @eye_of_the_beholder_photograph. Through the years I have collected all sorts of images that I have been fortunate enough to take. I love what I do, I care about what I do, and I enjoy seeing the looks of my clients when they review my work. It puts a smile on my face each and every time.