How to Discover Your Passion

Being a professional photographer always seemed like an exotic career to me. It seemed like an unattainable dream. Daunting, almost. Not the portrait photographers working at JCPenny, taking pictures of screaming babies. Or even the ones who work every weekend capturing wedding and Barvitzma pictures. Although, I am truly appreciative and fascinated by the way they capture the emotions of every moment throughout each event.

I was never really interested in photographing people. Until I had my own children. After having my first child, I couldn’t stop. I wanted to capture each and every moment. To keep each memory forever.

Just like other amazing moments I’ve experienced throughout my life. Like catching an eagle enjoying a snack, as I hiked a quiet path along a beautiful gorge trail. Or suddenly seeing a baby shark as I snorkeled in Hawaii. I followed it. Just so I could get a picture of the beautiful creature with my disposable waterproof camera. It didn’t occur to me, until after I was safely on the boat, that mommy shark was probably lurking nearby.

I started a blog and began writing articles to draw traffic to my blog. I finally published my first book, which has gotten rave reviews. Even from a bigtime guru, in my niche. With the exception of a few stock pics, I have used my own pictures for my books, my website, recipes and to create social media pins.

After a while, I began to realize that I have many amazing pictures. Some even better than ones I find on stock websites. Yet, I still didn’t value my own work. I was also a little afraid of learning how to use a DSLR camera.

Despite the fact, that I could build a website, self publish a book, learn about internet marketing and start my own my business. I still questioned my capabilities as a photographer. Until one day, I was reading a Facebook post from a professional photographer. Someone commented, that she captured the moment and expressions into her photography. I went into the family room and looked on the mantle above the fireplace, where I have framed pictures of my children. Pictures I took of them.

Their expressions and the feelings of the moment are beautifully captured. I stared in amazement as I realized I have a gift. I too have a talent of capturing the moment.

That was when I decided, it would be a shame not to share my photographs and pursue my love of travel photography. I can continue to capture moments of my life, while turning it into a career. One I am truly passionate about. I still have a lot to learn. Life in itself is a continuous learning experience. Why waste it learning things I don’t really care about?

As I was going through hundreds, if not thousands of old photographs, it solidified my confidence to become a travel writer and photographer. Below is a picture I took with my cell phone, on the way back from a hiking trip.

I remember the moment so vividly. Once again, capturing the moment. I was thinking about breaking up with my boyfriend at the time. We weren’t speaking, as he sat next to me driving my car. It gave me hope. Almost as if someone was watching out for me. Looking over me and showing me that it is safe to cross the bridge. There is hope at the other end. That I will be okay. Whatever path I choose.