My Journey into Photography: How I Got Started
If you had told me years ago that I’d be running my own photography business in Huntsville, Alabama—a place that now feels like my forever home—I would’ve been in complete disbelief. But here I am, and the journey that brought me here is one that I cherish deeply.
I didn’t start out with photography in mind. I was initially drawn to graphic design when I began college, excited about the idea of creating beautiful things. But something unexpected happened—I found myself more and more captivated by the world of photography. Instead of focusing on my design projects, I was spending my time behind the lens, experimenting with light, angles, and composition. I was hooked on the magic of capturing moments in a way that felt real and authentic.
The real turning point came when my then-boyfriend (now-husband), Brady, needed senior pictures. We didn’t plan anything extravagant, just a laid-back session in my backyard with my family’s camera. But that day changed everything. I knew I could make him laugh and capture his genuine smiles, and as I clicked away, I felt something shift inside me. This was more than just a hobby—it was a passion. I posted the photos on Facebook, and to my surprise, my inbox started filling up with messages from friends asking if I could take their portraits too. That was the moment I realized this could be something bigger.
While I was still in college, balancing classes and my newfound photography business wasn’t always easy, but I loved every minute of it. My weekends quickly filled up with sessions, and I poured my heart into every one of them. Word spread, and before I knew it, my side gig had grown into a thriving business. I was constantly learning, growing, and finding new ways to capture the beauty in the world around me.
It wasn’t until I finally made the decision to declare photography as my major that everything truly started to fall into place. Up until that point, photography had been more of a passion project—a creative escape from my graphic design studies. But once I committed to it fully, something inside me clicked.
Diving into my photography courses felt like stepping into a new world. I was suddenly surrounded by people who shared my passion, and I had the opportunity to learn the craft in a way that was structured and intentional. I started to learn the fundamentals of composition, the art of posing, and the intricacies of editing. Each new skill fueled my excitement and pushed me to experiment, to take risks, and to see the world through a completely different lens—literally and figuratively.
As I honed my technical skills, I could feel myself growing as an artist. My work started to evolve, becoming more refined and expressive. I began to understand how to tell a story through my images, capturing moments that were not just beautiful, but meaningful. And as my work improved, so did my confidence. I even began to book weddings!!! (Yes, my editing was very all over the place!) But with time I grew to learn what I wanted my work to look like 😉
I’ve always believed in embracing every opportunity to learn and grow. From second shooting at various weddings to investing in workshops across the country, my mission has been to refine my craft and build a diverse portfolio. I eagerly traveled to stunning locations like Utah, where the majestic mountains provided a dramatic backdrop, and Charleston, with its historic charm, adding timeless elegance to my photos. Each experience offered valuable insights and a chance to capture unique moments.
There was a period in my business when I was absolutely LIVING for the thrill of social media, the excitement of booking senior sessions (all those bags were senior gifts for booking me!), and the joy of securing weddings. It was an exhilarating time, filled with endless creativity and boundless energy. Every day was an adventure as I crafted engaging posts, connected with amazing clients, and celebrated each new booking with enthusiasm. This whirlwind of activity was not just the peak of my business growth, but also the most exhilarating chapter, where every milestone felt like a victory and every interaction fueled my passion even more.
I was even traveling to weddings in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee further shaping my skills, allowing me to master the art of photographing dynamic coastal scenes and rustic Southern weddings. These travels not only expanded my mind to what all is possible in this business, but also enriched my artistic vision and how I could become a truly unique photographer in this sea of an industry.
Then came 2020. Like so many others, I graduated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The world was turned upside down, and the photography industry was hit hard. Weddings were postponed, sessions were canceled, and the uncertainty was overwhelming. But amidst the chaos, my family gave me the best graduation present ever: Lilo, my sweet little Border Collie girl. Thank goodness for her and her brother Snuffy (my grandad couldn’t resist getting his own dog too)! These two adorable puppies saved us from ultimate boredom and brought immense joy into our lives. As I navigated the loss of weddings, seniors, and business in general, I found solace and happiness in their company. Despite the challenges, I used the time to refocus, work on my skills, revamp my website, and connect with clients in new ways. It wasn’t an easy time, but with Lilo and Snuffy by my side, it was also filled with unexpected joy and made me more determined than ever to pursue my passion.
Here are some of my senior photos (:
After graduation, navigating months of COVID, and celebrating my engagement and marriage, life led me to Georgia. I continued to build my business and connect with incredibly skilled people, spending much of my time second shooting and discovering my place in the wedding world. While my skills and talent grew stronger, I began to sense that something within me was missing. The wedding industry as a whole seemed to shift its focus from heartfelt connections to portfolio-building and financial gains. This shift made me question my place within it, and I found my heart for photography growing weaker even as my talent improved. It became clear that I needed to rediscover the passion I once had. So, I took the time to be in a more personal space, traveling with Brady and Lilo, searching for that spark. That’s when Huntsville came into the picture, offering a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose.
From the moment I arrived in Huntsville, I knew this was where I was meant to be. The charm, the community, the history—everything about this city felt right. It’s a place that’s full of life and energy, and I’m so excited to be a part of it. Huntsville isn’t just another stop on my journey; it’s where I want to build my future. This is the place I want to plant roots, to grow my business, and to capture the moments that matter most to the wonderful people who call this city home.
Now, as I continue to capture love stories, senior milestones, and family memories, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. The journey that brought me here has been full of twists and turns, but every step has led me to this amazing place I now call home.
If you’re in Huntsville, whether you’ve been here for years or you’re just getting to know the city, I’d love to help you capture your own special moments. This city has given me so much, and I can’t wait to give back by preserving the memories that matter most to you.
Here’s to the journey so far—and to all the beautiful moments still to come in this wonderful place I now call home.
