How did i get here?

Self Portrait | 2022

I had it all. Or so it seemed. Steady job, summers and holidays off, two perfect children and my dream home. Everything was “great”. Except it wasn’t. I realized that something was missing and that my beautiful, safe life wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be.

I needed a change. After 11 years in a career, countless hours of professional development and grad school, I had decided I was done. I was done playing it safe. I was done fitting in a box. I was done with a system that didn’t support me as a woman, a mom, a friend, a learner. I was ready to take the leap - maybe I felt a little forced to take the leap.

Becoming a full time photographer isn’t for the faint of heart. Not in a time where every person holding the newest iPhone or a little digital camera can call themselves a photographer. I realized quickly that this job was going to test me and push me and force me out of my comfort zone. Sure - it’s what I wanted. But I didn’t realize how hard and fast the change would come.

Fast forward two years and I am internally happier than I have ever been. The crazy thing is - I think I thought I’d have all the answers by now, but I sure as hell don’t. Haha. Who was I kidding. I have a lot more answers - but I also have a lot more questions. I guess that’s how it goes when you like to learn and push yourself. Every day I step out of my comfort zone again and try to be the best version of me I can become. And so far - it’s filling this girls cup all the way up to the top and overflowing.

THE “BIG 3” QUESTIONS:

Would you do it again?

Hell yeah I would. I’d do it all again and keep failing forward. It’s been a rush of all the emotions and the ride has been the truest and most honest thing I have ever been on. Showing up as me authentically every day is exactly what was missing.

How are you different now?

Well - how am I not different? I think the thing that changed the most for me was my mindset. I still fight the inner voice we all fight sometimes - but I win more often. I have learned to love my life and the people in it more deeply and intentionally. The grind is different, because the grind is FOR ME, not for everyone else.

What is your favorite song right now to turn up all the way?

Definitely Unstoppable by Sia - yeah yeah, it’s obvious, but it’s just SO GOOD!