My journey to photography has been a long and curvy road.
Photo Credit: Hailey Erickson
In 8th grade God gave me this amazing passion and talent for dance. I started dancing late in life but I was determined to be the best that I could be. I was always practicing. Dancing gave me such joy! I just knew that this was my path. I have also always had a love for children, so I wanted to be a dance teacher. But…. here comes a curve in the road. At the age of 18 I started having health problems. It took a year for us to discover what was wrong with me. I have Neuorcardiogenic Syncope. Without going into all the details, basically I pass out from standing too long. At this point I was just starting college, majoring in dance of course. 🙂 It was difficult at first, but I was surviving. But with each passing semester it continued to worsen. By the end of two years I was done. I could not dance anymore.
I graduated with my associates in dance. But now what? I tried teaching some preschool dance classes but I just did not have the energy for it. I was still getting worse. I eventually got to the point where most days I could barely get out of bed. I did not understand. I was given this uncontrollable passion, and then it was taken away. So I started brainstorming, trying to figure out what kind of career I could have. I had a relative who sold Beauti Control products, so I gave her a call. Long story short, I gave it a whirl. It was fun, I learned a lot about having a business, but it was not my passion. It was hard to imagine what I could do that I would love as much as dance. But, God is faithful! (Watch out, here comes another curve.) My mother bought a camera. (thanks mom!) Every time I would visit her I would play with her camera. It was so much fun. A few months later my husband and I decided to get a DSLR. I never imagined at this point that it would turn into my new passion. But I could not put that silly thing down. As soon as we bought it I started taking photos non-stop. And I wanted to know everything about photography. Everyday I would research on the internet, learning about aperture, composition, editing……. As you can imagine, it just took off from there. Ashley Nicole Photography was born. I eventually found a doctor who helped me. I am now on medication that allows me to live a (somewhat) normal life. I am even dancing a little bit now. 🙂
Photo Credit: Hailey Erickson
As I continued to research and get inspiration, I came across a blog, Katelyn James Photography!!!! I fell in love with her work and her personality. I went through every blog entry that she has written.
Just before Christmas I decided to go full time with my photography. I have a few faithful clients and I am hoping to grow my business. I have learned a lot through the internet, but I want to learn from the best! I want to learn more about wedding photography, and the business side of photography.
And so now I bring us to today. 🙂 I just recently started this blog because I wanted to connect with my clients the way Katelyn does in her blog. Today I read Katelyn’s blog and she is having a contest for a free spot at her workshop in March. It would be a dream come true to meet her and learn from her. So, this post is my entry into her contest. I wish everyone entering the best of luck. I know there are a ton of people wanting to go!
