Ramblings in the name of Advertising

Feb 7

3 min read

For as long as I can remember I have loved looking at life through a literal lens. Tiny little moments would scream from the shadowed corners and beg to be noticed. My first camera was a Fuji Film kids digital camera when I was in elementary school, and the rest is history.

Photography has always been one of many creative outlets for me. Drawing, painting, writing, and making music have all spun around my consciousness like a revolving door, each taking time and inspiration to step into the forefront. Photography, on the other hand, has been a constant.

31 years and 2 kids later, many of my old outlets have faded into the background. Being a mom, especially a single mom, has demanded my full attention and consciousness. But there sits photography- alive and well- with every photo I take of my kids or the natural world as we have explored it together, I have been reminded of photography's ability to scratch the ever-present itch-- the urge to appreciate the beauty of God's creation and create something of my own from what I find.

Last year, the Lord clearly opened the door for me to start a photography business. Business. A word I am averse to. I'm sure other creatives out there can understand that. Forming a business out of a creative outlet is tricky. For years I have been capturing what makes sense to me, or art that speaks to my spirit. Now, I'm attempting to capture things that will make sense to other people- art that translates to someone I hardly know.

I relate heavily to the notion that we are our own toughest critics. It usually takes me a lot of time and distance between myself and a completed project for me to acknowledge that it was well-done. So, here I am, trying to create things that others will like- never feeling like I'm good enough or deserving of the opportunity.

Upon starting this business, I naively thought that my style of photography and aesthetic would draw clients to me who naturally liked my style of photography. Instead, because I'm just getting started- people are taking a chance on me, which is incredibly intimidating. Also, honestly, I find myself looking at other photographers and trying (and failing) to match their aesthetics.

I want to promote and advertise myself as an artist. I want clients to look through my portfolio and choose me to capture their moments because they like what they see. I want to allow myself to be different with clients who want their photos to be different. What an honor it is to join with others to create art and capture memories, all at the same time.

I'd also like to promote myself as someone who can make you laugh. It is something that most of my clients have commented on and what makes them loyal clients long-term. I like to play music on a speaker, make jokes, lighten the mood, and cut the tension often- because that's the best way to capture real, natural moments of happiness for those of you who are stuck on the other, more awkward side of the lens.