How Did I Get Here?

the long and windy road from a kid with a camera to going back to school to follow a dream.

I was born in London Ontario – to wonderful parents, and an older brother who was the bane of my existence… (however time and distance has made him one my most favourite people in the whole world!!). My parents both worked at the University of Western Ontario and gave me an appreciation for hard work, a love for travel and a strong, supportive family foundation.

In elementary school I was constantly picked on to the point that - although I have the most wonderful and supportive family anyone could ever ask for, I developed a lifelong fear of ridicule and rejection. I lived for the summers when I could re-invent myself in fine art and drama camps. I dreamed of growing up to be a ballerina, or a famous actor.

In high school I had a much more supportive and accepting group of friends and developed a love for photography. I was a terrible student – but with countless hours spent in the school dark room and the drama studio, I developed a passion for photography and revised my ambitions to include photography as a possible career choice.

There was always the expectation that I would go to University, and although I was more artistic than academic, I applied to the Psychology and Child Studies faculties at a variety of southwestern Ontario universities. In my second year at Brock, I transferred into the Recreation and Leisure Studies program, which I graduated from in 1997.

Throughout my years in University I spent my summers working at the BEAUTIFUL Chateau Lake Louise where I made many lifelong friends, grew my appreciation for the outdoors and met my future husband.

Brian and I moved to Winnipeg in 1999 (which seems like a lifetime ago) and I began my career in administration – for The Fairmont Winnipeg, Ceridian Canada, The Canadian Diabetes Association and finally the University of Manitoba. Each role containing a component of event planning - from company barbecues and formal galas to summer camp and receptions at the Manitoba Legislature, and capturing images of those events for promotions and posterity. Each of these places has helped me to grow into the person I am today, and will always hold a special place in my heart.

Throughout my administrative career I always dreamed about a career in photography. In 2002, when I was on maternity leave, after my son was born, I took a part time job at the Wal-Mart portrait studio to see if this was a career I would like to pursue, however I found the limitations of a cookie cutter portrait studio limiting, and when my maternity leave was over I returned to my administrative career path.

In 2016 I found myself out of work, and decided to take a step back and really evaluate what I wanted to do.

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire”

I have always LOVED taking photographs. Capturing special moments – whether it be hoar frost on a leaf or a special look between a bride and groom on their wedding day, the art of photography – capturing a moment in time to be preserved forever – has always been a passion of mine, and my way to relax and unwind.

Although my love of photography started much earlier - I got my first digital camera in 2004 when my husband decided we were spending too much money on film (as I would easily go through 10 rolls at a wedding) and that although it was a far more expensive camera – it would be worth it in the long run.

I was very reluctant at first – especially as I had all the equipment to start a darkroom in my basement – but it wasn’t long before I was sold – and my old Canon body was boxed up and put up on a shelf.

Brian has been (not so subtly) “encouraging” me to pursue my photography dream for YEARS, and maybe not so surprisingly, all my aptitude tests pointed to photography as my new potential career path... It was time to sit up – pay attention, and follow the dream.

“If it’s both terrifying and amazing then you should definitely pursue it”

A little reluctant to just jump right in – I signed up for the Professional Photography program at Red River College to get reacquainted with the functions of my camera and learn more about the business of photography.

It’s funny – the things that got me through high school were drama, photography and the love and support of my family and friends… FINALLY I am following my dreams.

I am excited to embark on this new adventure – and I hope that you will join me throughout this journey. Follow my page to see how things are going – and give me tips on how you stay connected to what you are passionate about.

#canon #photographyeveryday #photographyislife #photography #followmyjourney #dreambig #chaseyourdreams #lovewhatyoudo #lifegoals