I Don’t Know
My dad has always questioned me through my though process as I’ve grown up. A lot of the time my answer would simply be. “I don’t know.” For the last year I have been thinking about what I want in life quite a bit more than I ever really did while I was in high school. There are many things in life that I am certain upon. But I live with an acceptance of paradigm changes to come in the future. As far as these questions go, the ones that will be answered will pertain to my professional life. That said here is my first post in a while ( I will be trying my best to keep up with this much more frequently).
Back to my typical response of “I don’t know”. Instead of babbling I’m going to give you guys three answers to do with my career that I feel are asked all to often… and in turn answered by myself with”I don’t know.”
1. Why did you get into photography?
I can’t exactly pin point the very reason I got into photography. But the initial reason I got into avidly taking photos was my friend Sarah Jerns. She was always having the coolest shots of herself up on her myspace and stuff I wanted that. Aside from the many other talents she had she kind of handed this one off to me and I guess I ran with it. I think I kept with taking the photos because I’ve always been a pretty visual person (memory-wise at least). But more than anything, I think I stuck with photography because it helped me find acceptance with my peers and even the ever growing list of big names I am blessed to have met. The experiences I’ve had with some of these people are just the cherry on top. But the real reason that photography was not just another hobbie for me is capturing the moment. Every photographer will say the same thing. Knowing you nailed a shot with technical expertise and your own style is the an amazing feeling. And the reason I photograph people is because I get to share that feeling I get with them.
2. How do you think you are going to get established in the industry?
I really do think that I am going to have to go to school. It’s that easy. So this fall I will be working on a series of twelve photos that I hope will get me into a school for free. I’m tired of wasting my time and everyone elses around me. I want to pay my mortgage with the images I create, and the only way I’m going to do that is by moving away from Blaine. Going to college. Getting my degree. Assisting some big names. MAYBE! I would like to maybe go about this a little differently also. I feel that I can carry the load of big time commercial photographer given the gear, people, and experience. I’m taking baby steps, so school is going to be my main priority. I will be working on putting together a showing of the twelve pieces I mentioned. I hope you all can come. Send me ideas if you are interested in helping set something up i.e. you’re an art gallery with space or something like that
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3. Why are you shooting film only?
I did some stupid shit. It’s the only camera I have. And I can shoot just as well with it I think! I love having to wait to see how your photos come out. Most of the time I am more than surprised.
Here’s a recent shot that will let you know why I appreciate film (the viewfinder was covered when I took this).

please feel free to call me for booking info 360.961.5291
Is that Common? Love him.
Are you coming by the Ghost and the Grace show? I’m sure you know Sarah’s in the band. If so, are you going to take any shots? Maybe that would be cool for a feature in What’s Up! (I do writing for them)
Great blog post.
thanks a ton haylee! yeah that is common. and yeah I might make it out friday (:
HI! So nice to put all the pieces together. My 10 yr old goes to Blaine and I saw some of your stuff in the PAC last year. Then Kelli was talking about you at a signing this summer and now Anny and the photo shoot. I certainly thought you were very talented when I saw what the school had up last year and I am excited to see what you have in store for us soon. I get the film thing. I started my “true destiny” in high school when we still had dark rooms and developed film ourselves. I don’t think I wanted to ever leave once I found that place I spent my sr. yr as a vampire. I am still holding on to my Cannon AE-1 for senimental reasons. Someday I will teach my kids what will then be the ancient art of taking photos will film! Keep doing what you love. There is always a place in life for the true perfect picture. It is so great on so many levels. I dreamed of never stoping and working with Nat Geo, then Sports Ill, then to be like Annie L. Now I am over documenting my childrens and their friends lives. Thats the great thing about photography it fits in no matter where you are or where you end up.