How I Became I'd Snap That

 I received my first digital camera at 10 years old for Christmas. My parents recognized long before, that I had an eye of a photographer. Therefore they were always handing the phone or disposable cameras to me. 

     Around the time I got my camera I needed a new hobby because I was no longer interested in dance or sports. I think that my parents timing could not have been better. The camera definitely got a great amount of use because all I wanted was to snap photos of anything and everything all the time. I may not had known exactly what I was doing at first but I knew that I enjoyed it. I knew that I enjoyed capturing my families special moments or an insect on a newly blossomed flower. 

     I quickly learned that having 1 or maybe 2 perfect photos out of 200 was not practical. So I began watching Youtube and talking to other photographers. I started putting all the notes that I had built up into play, perfecting my style and technique. Over the next few years I continued to put lots of hard work into practicing. After all practice makes perfect, right?

     When I turned 14 my parents allowed me to show my photographs from the past few years to others through Instagram. It wasn't easy convincing them to allow me on the platform but eventually I think they understood that I had felt the need for not only validation but also exposure. 

     The one thing I have undoubtedly been obsessed with was and is photography. Once you get me started I could talk for hours. I recall talking my parents ears off about starting a photography business of my own one day or something new I had discovered. They were constantly supportive of my new (sometimes crazy) ideas. My father helped me create my first logo when I wanted to give my photography a more professional 'vibe'. Now looking back on those photos I can tell that they were no where close to professional. 

     Having the 'professional' mindset did allow me to stay focused and set meaningful goals. I knew that one day I would pursue photographer as a career, even if it was only on the side. 

     As I continued to work on my photography as a freelancer I consistently found friends or family struggling to find a photographer at a rate they could afford. So I began offering to take photos for free. My mindset was simply, if I can help them and build my portfolio at the same time, why wouldn't I? 

     At the end of my high school Sophomore year, Corona shut down the schools and even though I could have simply sat out of my classes like most of my fellow classmates. I desired to stay motivated and consistent because of one simple class. A class that most students take as a 'blow off'. If you haven't guessed already, it was my photography class. I remember signing up for it at the beginning of the year so excited only to find out I had to take a basic art class for my first semester. 

      I began working towards creating a truly professional photography company that summer. My father helped me design and set up a website while I searched for real clientele. Since I was so young I wouldn't be able to charge as much as the pros but I found that there was a large market for affordable photographers that was barely being acknowledged.  

     To gain even more experience, I worked at JCPenny's Portraits as a portrait photographer. Working with this company taught me a lot of things I wouldn't have learned in the field but now I can apply to my freelancing work. 

     Now that I have built a strong professional portfolio and reputation I market myself as I'd Snap That, the affordable and professional freelancing photographer. I'd Snap That has given me an outlet for my creative passion. Although I recently lost easy access to my main customers due to my recent move. But I am looking forward to helping and connecting with a new clientele. 

    I am curious as to when other photographers discovered their love and passion? Was it as early as I? Or maybe sooner?! Let me know, I'd love to hear from you.