I have art in my genes but I haven't always known how to express it. My grandfather worked as a butcher but would draw and paint as a hobby. There were oil paintings and a mural in my grandparents' house - painted by him and forever etched in my memory. He died before I was born and those paintings are the only connection that I have to him. My dad, recently retired, worked full-time at a steel mill and also full-time as an artist. He paints the most beautiful and detailed wildlife scenes.
It was my dad and stepmother, both avid photographers, who got me my first "real" camera and introduced me to photography. In college, they bought me another "real" camera, this time an SLR, and I began trying to understand f-stops and shutter speeds. I absolutely loved it but it wouldn't be until grad school that I was able to take my first photography class. I loved the dark room and the almost magical way my images would appear on the paper - not always exactly as I wanted but pretty close to my vision. At this time I was also working at a preschool taking care of 2 and 3 year olds. I would use my camera to try and capture them being kids, in their world, without having to say cheese and look at the camera. This became my artistic voice.
Shortly after I finished grad school, I had my first child and also got my first digital camera. It was wonderful. I could record every inch of my little angel and as a good mother, I dutifully did. Baby number 2 came along 14 months later and I continued to take pictures. I hated the studio portraits and started working harder at improving my own pictures. I upgraded my camera and then began to develop a portfolio. My friends and family really enjoyed my work and a business grew.
My stepmother managed my dad's art business for years and provided a lot of guidance for my photography business as well as critique and encouragement with my photos. In September of 2008 she was diagnosed with cancer and our world fell apart. She began getting treatment and responding well to it and life began to go on. I would call her during the day and email her photos and ask her business questions. She was excited for me and I loved having someone to share this with. My business grew and my confidence increased and her treatment progressed. We would eagerly await photo contest results and each visit I would bring photos to share with her.
In October of 2009 she lost her battle. I was devastated and continue to grieve to this day but my business keeps going. I know she would never have wanted me to give it up. I want to continue to improve, to be able to create images that not only record a moment but take your breath away. I especially want to help families with similar battles preserve the little moments of joy that they find. In January, I was contacted by a woman whose son has cancer. He's just a boy but is fighting so hard and in the midst of his fight, he wanted to set up a foundation to provide portraits to families who are suffering through this too. I signed up right away to help.
I would love the opportunity to attend this workshop and to develop my abilities further. Thank you to iheartfaces and Amy Wenzel for this opportunity, not only participate in this contest, but to share my story.
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