Flashback Friday: Where It All Began
I think it was 2005 when Beau bought me a Canon Rebel for Christmas and my birthday—I can't remember for sure, but maybe I'll ask him. What I do know is that this camera reignited a dream I had carried since high school: becoming a photographer.
Even before I ever picked up a camera myself, I was often in front of one—my grandma’s, to be exact. She may not have had an SLR, but she was an avid photographer, always capturing moments of her grandkids, Grand nieces, and nephews. Looking back, I think her love for documenting family life played a big part in shaping my own love for photography.
By the time I was in high school, I was especially drawn to portraits. I even experimented with self-portraits, mostly with my mom’s help, especially during our camping trips in the Badlands. But back then, learning photography was a lot different. The internet was still new, and I had no idea how to navigate it—certainly not the way we do now. There wasn’t nearly as much information available, and for some reason, I never thought to go to the library. We didn’t live in town, but we weren’t that far away either!
Before I had my own camera, I used my dad’s SLR, which I believe he got from my Uncle. Considering I had no real training, I think I did pretty well! Then, in 2009, everything changed when I got that Canon Rebel. Like most new photographers, I started by taking endless photos of my kids. Our oldest loved being in front of the camera—she was always happy to pose! Our youngest, on the other hand, was a bit more of a challenge. Of course, it wasn’t just our kids—I photographed everything. Family, friends, pets, plants, random objects… anything I could capture became my subject.
Then, in January 2010, we took a family Christmas trip to Virginia to visit my husband's aunt. While there, we went to the Bristol Motor Speedway, where I had fun experimenting with motion photography. That trip sparked something in me. When we returned home, my family continued to model for me, and I started connecting with the photography community in Louisville. Through those connections, I learned even more. Friends from work, friends of friends—even a new friend who was a professional photographer—let me tag along on model shoots, we even had a community of photographers who met up once a month. She had a studio where she did creative sessions with a makeup artist, and I was lucky enough to hang out and observe. I wish I could remember who the makeup artist and model were—normally, I'd have a note somewhere. I always try to give credit when I have the info!
Some of my random photos that aren’t people!
My first models!
Today, I just wanted to take a moment to share some of those early images. Not just as a reminder to myself, but to show you where I started. Some of the color edits are a little wild, but that’s okay—we all have to start somewhere!