I received my Photography certificate in the mail the other day. The feeling of the certificate in my hands felt so good. I felt a sense of accomplishment. Although I've already earned my certificate, I'm still taking night classes to continually improve myself and learn the craft of photography. I love learning and connecting with people through photography.
When I first decided to finally take up courses back in 2016 to get certified, I thought it was time for me to learn more technical aspects rather than just relying on using my creativity and taking decent shots. Little did I know I entered into a realm of expanding my knowledge immensely and at the same time pushing myself to experience a whole new world that allows me to round out my design thinking skills. I now look at the world a different way through the lens. Each project pushed me to use photography as a creative outlet and a way of storytelling. It taught me that there are different ways of capturing an image, a visual logo, a moment in time using my own style and techniques.
I actually never thought I could become or even call myself a photographer. I always thought learning the technical aspects was too tough and alot of mathematics was involved (I'm not the typical naturally-smart with math type of person). And that frightened me. I choose to become a graphic designer because I love using my creativity and not have to deal with numbers. I have always been in front of the camera and loved modelling as I was growing up but after having my kids, I started taking more photos and really trying to document their lives. They are growing so fast and I feel its apart of my job to make an impact in their lives by documenting their journey and experiences. I feel it is more important to have something special they can have and share with their family when they get older and that I helped capture those memories.
Photographing other people came afterwards, when I became more confident technically, to actually have people pay me to capture their life events. I feel so honoured to be able to use my skills and be included in capturing special moments for my clients.