My Journey to Photography

Over the past few years I’ve had several people ask me how I got started in photography, so I’ve decided to answer that question in my inaugural blog post! Several years ago I was at a crossroads, discerning where God was calling me to love and serve others (and also earn a little extra income to help with high school and college tuitions on the horizon). Before staying home with my children, my first profession was as a Physician Assistant. Although I am grateful for that education and experience, I had no desire to return to that work once my children were all in school. 

I was a substitute teacher for a couple of years, and then taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science for one school year. Towards the end of that school year, we had a major family event requiring my intense focus and attention. I very suddenly found myself needing to be at home full time caring for an extended family member. Knowing I was called to care for this loved one, I realized I needed a creative outlet of my own to explore. That’s when I started browsing the continuing education course offerings at my local community college. The photography section seemed to almost jump off the screen at me! A course in understanding how to use my DSLR camera? YES, PLEASE! 

I have always been fascinated with photography. I remember the polaroid camera my Aunt Marsha brought to all our family gatherings, and waiting with great anticipation for the instant film to develop right before my eyes. I would spend hours looking at family photo albums over and over again. My interest in all things photography was piqued. From a young age I always wanted to have my own camera. Over many years, and many different cameras, I spent hours on end trying to shoot images I’d seen in magazines, newspapers, and books; mostly failing to reach the goal I had in mind, but never tiring of trying. 

So, I decided to sign up for two classes through JCCC. While taking those classes, I took a deep dive into practicing how to shoot in my camera’s manual mode…no more automatic mode for me! Suddenly, I was capturing images I’d only dreamed of before. As time went on I enrolled in additional classes, learning more about portrait photography in particular. My oldest daughter was a senior in high school about this time, and she was an enthusiastic model for me to practice on. I posted images I’d taken of her on Facebook, and a few friends saw them and asked if I would take pictures of their seniors. The rest is history in the making! Since those early days starting with my high school senior and a few of her friends, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families, events, birthday parties, engagements, products for friends’ businesses, and even a wedding!

In big ways, with the encouragement and help of my family and closest friends, I stepped way outside of my comfort zone in starting my own photography business. I take Mother Teresa of Calcutta as one of my biggest inspirations. She had the courage to listen to God’s prompting to leave a comfortable life, albeit one of service, to enter into a new calling when she established the Missionaries of Charity. One of my favorite Mother Teresa quotes is, “Let us all meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” My desire is to serve my clients in this simple way; to help them experience God’s love through the gift of an authentic encounter that is rooted in love, where the unique beauty and story of each individual and family is revealed and preserved in time. To capture smiles and interactions that reflect the love planted deep within the souls of the people I serve is a privilege and a gift that I am so grateful for. 

I look forward to the continued journey, all I will learn in this adventure, and to making new friends along the way. I would love for you to join me! Keep scrolling for some favorite images of my very first group of seniors!

Peace & Joy! Terisa