June is Rare Vision Photography’s birthday and is a special time for me. A time to reflect on the past as well as time to hope and plan for the future. As I began to reflect on the past two three years, I thought I would share a little history of how RVP came to be and a few things I’ve learned about myself in the journey. (Side Note: Rare Vision Photography officially started June 1, 2017, not 2018….so it’s been three years!)
The Early Years
I was born on February 27, 1987…. okay, I’m not going to go that far back! Photography has long been a part of my life. I remember going to summer camp in elementary school each year with my camera and rolls of film, only to return, wishing I had brought just one more roll. Capturing moments of friends, family and the environment around me thrilled me. I often tried to capture things in a creative way and when I pull out some of these old photos, realize I was training for my future passion.
“No place is boring, if you’ve had a good night’s sleep and have
Robert Adams
a pocket full of unexposed film.”
School Days
I continued to take trips and capture moments, but I always saw my photography as something I enjoyed, at best, a side hustle. I didn’t realize the talent or potential in which I could create a business. My siblings were my usual subjects and I often took them to local parks to do photoshoots.
I decided to pursue public relations and marketing in college, two very creative aspects in the business field. I would often drive around the small town capturing unique sights or do a photoshoot for friends at the park. Seeing friends use images I captured for their Facebook profiles or seeing a photo in the school paper thrilled me. I still didn’t see how it would be more than I side gig.
“Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late
Diane Arbus
at night and stealing Oreo cookies.”
The Start of Much More
I moved back to St. Louis after graduation and pursued a couple of jobs all the while taking photos of my siblings. My sister was married and had kids at this point so I started taking family photos of them. My first session, other than family and friends was a coworker of my sister’s who saw the photos I took for her. As I started venturing out of my personal bubble, I realized I really enjoyed meeting new people. Rare Vision Photography was born but it was just a side gig.
Fast forward a few years. I was happily married to Brandon, was mommy to Lillian and had my dream job as a marketing director. When I expected baby two, I decided I wanted to take a step away and stay home. The only problem was I thought I would go stir crazy. Brandon suggested I make my side project a full-time endeavor. June 1, 2017 was the official launch of Rare Vision Photography (see three years!)
“When I have a camera in my hand, I know no fear.”
Alfred Eisenstaedt
Personal Reflection
As I look back on the past, I realize how much I have learned about myself. There have been moments where I realized I’m capable of running a business. I have had my share of hiccups and failed attempts at sessions too. Through it all have had the cheerleaders of my family and friends to get up and try again.
I realize I absolutely love capturing moments, not just pretty faces, but the actual story of what’s happening. Lifestyle and documentary photography have been my outlet to do this and I get goosebumps every session so far!
“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
Elliott Erwitt
Wrap Up
Three years! It seems almost strange that time has flown by this fast; you know what they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” Thank you to my precious family and wonderful friends who have cheered me on! Thank you to my most amazing clients who have welcomed me into your lives to allow me the privilege to capture moments for you. Finally, I’m so grateful to a marvelous and creative God. He has blessed me beyond belief with talents to capture moments; the mind to run a business and the personality to be energized meeting new people and making them smile.
I’m so excited to celebrate another year as a photographer and business owner! I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for RVP!
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