Thinking about how I became a photographer brings me back to high school Lit class...not because I wrote all my essays on "Why I want to be a photographer when I grow up" (I had NO idea life would take me here!), but the term foreshadowing comes to mind. Like when you're reading a novel and you start to get where the story is going before the main character even has a clue. Looking back in my life I see all the little breadcrumbs that have led me here. Speaking of high school - I took my own senior portraits. Set up a tripod and a timer with a little point and clicker camera.
SO CRINGE WORTHY!!
Why did I share them?!
My aesthetic has improved, to say the least.
World Travels
After being a super nerd and getting a masters in philosophy (I did say SUPER nerd), I taught at university for a couple years but couldn't shake the travel bug that lives in my head and informs way too many minor and major life decisions. I set out with a one-way ticket to Vietnam and no idea what I was going to do with myself.
I traveled outside the US for 4 years...yes, I'm a Sag.
All my travels were documented through prolific photographing. First with my iPhone and then I got my fancy camera while I was working in Australia. All the while I never thought I could actually make this hobby a career.
That is, until I came to Austin, TX.
Identity Crisis
My first destination when I finally arrived back in the states was Austin. I arrived on a whim and just wanted to stay somewhere warm during the winter season. Little did I know it would be the first place I'd put down some roots in years. At this point I had defined myself by travel (lovingly referring to myself as a hobo, tramp, and vagabond).
I came to Austin with a crisis of identity and a listless questioning of what's next, what should I do with my life? Again on a whim (that happens a lot for me), I signed up for classes at the Austin School of Photography. I took every class offered and then devoured online trainings, in person workshops, and every source of education I could find.
All of a sudden I knew this was my passion, my calling in life.
It took a while for me to figure out what kind of photographer I should be, but that clarity came around knowing that I wanted to photograph people. Women specifically. My mission became clear: I see the beauty in every woman I meet and I want to reflect that back to her and show her the living work of art she is, to help women reconnect to their femininity and confidence. I want to create stunning works of art that remind women how powerful, majestic, and gorgeous they are. At first I started Frolic Photography as a portrait business aimed at women's beauty and glamour, even though my heart was far more interested in the boudoir genre. Looking back, I don't know what stopped me. But now I'm going for it & it's so fulfilling to see women embrace the beauty of the bodies and see themselves as I see them: human art.
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