Photography as a Passion

In 2003 I was beginning my Senior year at Sussex Technical High School and kept hearing that questions that EVERY high-schooler is tired of hearing: "What are you going to do when you grow up?"

When I grow up?  What everyone was really asking was, "What decision are you going to make that could change your entire future?"  I wasn't old enough to buy lottery tickets, vote, or drink, but I was expected to make a choice in what I wanted to do for the rest of my life?

Because of this, I spent a lot of time thinking.  I worked hard in school and excelled in Math, English, but I didn't have a passion for either of those.  I couldn't imagine spending my entire life doing something mathematical or writing/reading forever.  Yes, I know now that either of those majors could have opened many doors for me, and I wouldn't have had to spend my days hunched over a calculator or writing long papers, but I didn't know that at the time.

The only class I truly loved was my Photography/Yearbook class with Mr. Golacinski.  Mr. G was very enthusiastic about photography and he brought me to a place where I could see a future in the random hobby that I had enjoyed since childhood.  Seeing that I really had a passion for photography, he gave me a lot of freedom in that yearbook class to roam the halls and photograph classes or events going on around the school, and that journalistic style is still a major part of my photography today.



Against the advice of many people, I chose to pursue and art degree.  Don't get me wrong, my family and teachers were very supportive and understood that I was stubborn and determined, and that I would do what I wanted no matter what.  They just wanted the best for me and my future and tried to steer me into a career that would utilize my left brain a little more than my right.  After seeing how much I loved my art classes and how I excelled in them, even the few reservations they had went out the window.  Yes, it can be difficult to make a full living off of something like photography in an age where everyone and their mother has a camera, but it's the drive and the artistic eye that really lead an artist to success.

Really, there are two ways I could have gone with my life.  I could have gone for that mathematics degree or tried for an engineering degree.  I would have made more money and been more likely to find a successful and steady career.  I will never know what would have happened if I had chosen that path, but I have always felt that I would have been bored and work would have been nothing more than a means to a paycheck.  Instead I chose to not only pursue my passion in life, but also to take the time to go to school and get my degree in photography to better myself in my chosen field.



I work hard every day to better myself.  If I am not shooting, I am editing.  If I am not doing either of those, I am trying out new settings or following online tutorials.  I am always trying to create a product that is worthy of my clients and their expectations.  I have formed some great client bonds and hope to continue to work with these great people, and many more, in the future!

Follow your passion, follow your dream, and work your ass off to get it!