How Photography Changed My Life at 7 Years Old

Why do I spend my time sharing photography tips and tricks so families can capture their life in a more genuine and high quality way? Because my life changed from a very young age because the art of photography. Today you will read my story and learn the why behind what I do. I grew up in a small town in Idaho. I was surrounded by beauty constantly. My uncle Jeremy was a photographer back when not everyone had a fancy phone and camera. He was able to capture priceless moments of nature, our family and others that I was captivated by. I would look through photo books for hours and be in awe of the vibrant colors and striking subjects with blurred backgrounds. Uncle Jeremy’s images always made me feel something. My uncle Jeremy always let me be his little shadow while he took pictures. I learned not only how to take pictures but how to work with people when taking pictures. This skill still serves me today even outside of photography.

Uncle Jeremy 2004

At the “mature” age of 7, I declared I wanted to be a photographer when I grew up. My parents being the supportive angels they are got me my first point and shoot camera that christmas. Of course it was my favorite color, Orange. This small piece of plastic and metal changed my life. I began to document everything that I saw and was able to capture life through my young mind. I started to learn different elements of photography like depth of field and the rule of thirds just by experimenting and taking more photos. This experimenting continued until 3rd Grade.

My First Camera

I had an amazing 3rd Grade Teacher, his name was Mr. Fischer. He was such a fun and engaging teacher and he made a specific effort to know and remember details about his students. He noticed that I wrote on my Get to Know Me paper, on the first day of school, that I wanted to be a professional photographer when I grew up. This was back when not everyone was a “photographer". Mr. Fischer remember that about me and made a point to tell me that he thought it was really cool that that’s what I wanted to be. Many times throughout that year he highlighted this passion of mine and gave me opportunities to take pictures. Mr. Fischer was actually in charge of our elementary school yearbook, so he would give me assignments throughout the year and would allow me to leave class with his camera and go take pictures.

For example, when it had snowed, I got to go back outside and take pictures of all the snow creations and snowmen that the children had made during recess. I remember feeling so confident that he trusted me with this special task. At the end of the year I was able to see my work printed for the first time in our yearbook. The feeling of seeing my work printing, in color and on paper, I still remember to this day. The happiness I felt for capturing those important memories for my whole school was immeasurable.

I don’t know if Mr. Fischer knows the impact that he had on me that year in school or my parents know how much that little camera means to me. Fast forward to today, I have my own Photography business and I shoot many weddings, families and special events each year. In addition, I teach others how to do the same in their everyday life for their family. I still get that same feeling when I see my work printed in photo albums or on my clients walls or when my work is shared on social media. The feeling of capturing precious moments for my own family and other to cherish is still the most rewarding feeling in my mind and heart.