Wedding Photographer Reveals the Heartbreaking Reason She Started Her Career

College dark room class in 2007

I first became a photographer by accident. I was a college student at the University of Kentucky to pursue a career as a journalist. While at university, I choose Black and White Film as an elective. Photography was not an interest at that point. Instead, I wanted to fill my schedule with an easy class. Soon I found myself elbow deep in film negatives and developer. At the same time,I began documenting my grandfathers battle with terminal brain cancer. 

During that semester, I realized how special photography really is. Because of this class, I documented my grandfather dealing with the headaches, the doctor visits, an unsuccessful surgery. My favorite image was my grandfather holding a cigarette to his mouth like it was a marijuana joint. That one I titled ‘Defiance’ and I entered it as my centerpiece for my final project. It still sits framed in my office today. 

Charging as a photographer in 2009

I began charging for photography in 2009. A high school friend saw my photos on Facebook and asked about modeling photos for her. I charged her $50. I had a lot of fun and wanted to do more. Even though the photos were not good, at the time I thought it was ART. At that point, I began to actively advertise my photography services and my career as a photographer started.

Shooting my first wedding in 2012

In 2012, I booked my first wedding for a close friend who was looking for a cheap option for photography. I only charged her $300. I was five months pregnant and even then standing on a chair during the reception, trying to get the shot from the best angle. After, I realized how much fun I had photographing weddings. Can you believe up until that point, the last wedding I had attended was as a child? Since then I have shot over 200 weddings.

It's amazing to think about everything I have done since 2012 as a wedding photographer. I feel blessed to be a part of so many people's lives and love stories. I am so grateful for the people who allow me to share in their love as I provide photography services for your special day. If you choose me to document your wedding, I promise to deliver important photographs, like the ones of my grandfather, that will tell your story and be cherished in your family for generations. 

Interested in how I went from shooting a wedding for $300 in 2012 to going full time in 2016? Watch out for Part Two!

Interested in hiring me to photograph your wedding? Contact me now.