I'm getting an opportunity to speak to a photography class at John Carroll University tomorrow. (insert sound effect: oooooOOOOoooo) The professor is a former teacher of mine, Lisa Burroughs. I met Lisa at my tenure at Kent State. I was two or three years into my degree (photojournalism) at that point. But, honestly, she was my first teacher who really made me think that I could take a good picture. She saw something special in me that I don't even know if I saw at the time. She is still on of my very favorite people and best friends to this day, but a huge inspiration as well. I would not be here today if it weren't for her support.
For the third time now, she's invited me to speak to her class about what I do as a photographer. How I got here. What I still do to move forward. She gives me a chance to show my work. My professional work, and my beloved and precious silly stuff too. (Let's just say, I am a well rounded photographer.) I put a piece of myself into each and every photo I take. And it's because she told me it was okay to do that.
I was in college, being pulled this way and that. I was taking really crappy pictures of sports (i don't know anything about sports) and feature shots and really bad black and white pictures of sidewalks (simply because I didn't have a car. I walked a lot). But she saw something in me, and she pushed it.
And here I am. I love what I do. I really, REALLY love what I do.
I love taking pictures. I love meeting new people, making them relax and feel beautiful. I get to go new places, and do different things everytday. I get to follow light, and try out new lenses, and just see where it all takes me. I mean, I never thought I would be a wedding photographer. But now, it's something totally different in my eyes. I get to share the most incredibly special day with people. I get to tell their story. I get to make them into pieces of art that will hang on their walls for years to come. They will look back at my pictures.. and smile.
who knew?
she did.
*thanks lisa
This week I had the sheer enjoyment of photographing little Liam. I've never seen a little one year old move so fast. When he crawled, his knees never touched the carpet. ZOOM>>>> there he went. So cute though. A little bundle of love. Such a joy to photograph. Look at this little lion man.
Looking forward to making him smile for years to come:)
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I would also like to mention, Photography by Hilary is now an official preferred photographer at the The Geneva Lodge. One of the loveliest places to hold any occasion down at good ol' GOTL. *wink wink nudge nudge* I grew up in Geneva, so it only made sense still living so close to home to reach out to such an establishment. Plus, I photographed a wedding there last fall and really had a nice experience. So they invited me to participate in a 'Grand Bride's Tasting Event' where I could display my work. <oh yeah, small detail. I had 5 days to put my first full display together> I rocked it. I made some canvases and metal prints. I grabbed some crafty ideas off of Pinterest, and took what I learned from some Today's Brides Shows. I was pretty happy with what I came up with. Go Van's Photo for the quick turn around. You guys rock! (full disclosure: i work there:) I got a chance to talk to a bride or two. But total upside I wasn't expecting, I met some really awesome local vendors. And got to hang out with some other really awesome local photographers, Paul Thomas Photography and Martello Photography. Giving up some props for the local peeps. :) Josh Woodward from Bloomers Florist and everyone else there was so friendly. So it was an awesome weekend. So looking forward to booking weddings only 15 minutes from home. :) not going to lie :)
Later in the week I went to a seminar on Senior photography with Sal Cincotta. He is, as always, very inspirational. And he makes me want to jump into this crazy world with every thing I have, all systems go, give it everything I have with every fiber of my being. I need that every once in a while. Like a big ol' kick from the behind. Someone saying, go on. Take it. It's yours.
