In the beginning
People have asked me how I got into photography and my answer is always the same. It started with a hobby - a hobby that would eventually become a career choice. A story similar to others, I had to grow into my photography portfolio before it could become a career.
When I graduated from Martensville High School in 2006, I didn’t know what my career path would be. While most of my classmates would go onto University or a trade colleges, I hadn’t quite found my primary interest. And I wouldn’t know what that was for a long time. After high school I took to working full time and quickly found out that was not for me - what was next? I knew wanted to be in the arts. I began researching my education options and came across a Photography course at McKay Career Training in Saskatoon. I went into the course based on interest, but what I didn’t know it is would be a path leading me to today and how many incredible women I would meet along the way.
When I completed my courses, I was interested but not yet convinced that my next step was photography as a career. It was a combination of being too young to settle down and a lack of confidence in my art. I told myself that there are so many talented photographers - how could I compare? Over the next few years I practised photography with friends and family, meanwhile sampling career choices along the way. “It was for fun” I would often tell myself. Building a skill and portfolio takes time, and I took my sweet time doing that.
In 2010 I moved to Grande Prairie in pursuit of change and career opportunities. Over the next few years I would further pursue different careers and interests, still taking photos, but still for fun. Thanks to a friendly connection and lucky break, I was offered a position at the college and began to settle into the an administrative role. This would set the stage for my career path for years to come. In 2015 I was offered a position at an Oil and Gas company - I would be in an administrative Logistics role for the next 5 years. It was at this time that I felt the need for change, and I joined a lovely team at an up and coming Logistics Management company, where I would eventually become the Operations Manager. I have been very fortunate to receive offers for these roles without college experience, and learn in real time. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that I have had.
On my career path, I worked with a school photography company in 2014/15. I would confidently say that while this career was temporary, this is where I would start to explore my potential with photography… and where my pin up and vintage niche would blossom. Over the next 3 years, I spent time developing my photography portfolio while working full time. Along my journey, I created meaningful connections and and built friendships that I most certainly treasure.
2018 was a big year for me - it was when I travelled, branched out, took chances and explored my photography potential more than any other year. This would also be the first year that I created and published my first Charity Pin Up Calendar with the help of some incredible people. This momentum would continue into early 2020 with the increase of photography event hosting and two more Vintage and Pin Up calendars. By 2022 we created four calendars and collectively raised $6,220.00 for charity.
In late 2022, I had this nagging feeling like it was the right time to move forward with my photography. I was already enrolled with the U of A for my Digital Marketing courses. I have since finished half of my courses and anticipate the completion of my certificate by end of the year. Paired with my schooling, a serendipitous opportunity occurred - I would be able to go to school and pursue my photography full time, I just needed to take the step towards my goals. I decided to embrace my future and go on my own. With the loving support of family and friends, I took the leap and I have been actively pursing my business as of March this year.
I want to thank the wonderful artists who inspired, mentored me and continue to do so to this day. The local photography community is pretty incredible - photographers, models and H&MU artists alike. I’d also like to acknowledge my friends and family for always believing, even when I didn’t. Your support and friendship is why we can all succeed, together.
If you've even considered that you are not moving fast enough or have not achieved your goals in a set timeline, believe that when you are truly ready to move forward you will. Everything will happen when it is right for you - luck and risk go hand in hand. While risk is never easy, you’ll know when the time is right to take the first step.
With love,
Miss Friend Photography
