Back in 2001, I could just dream about my first photography session. I purchased my first a film camera and was super excited. I started dreaming about becoming a photographer someday. I even made plans to take a photography course at the college to learn more. I would ask the occasional person if they would let me take pictures but it was mainly my best friend from high school I would ask. Then a year or two later, she asked me to take her senior pictures. I was so excited my first true session!!! It was just for practice and I just wanted someone in front of my camera. She was willing. So we made plans one spring to take her senior pictures. We spent the whole afternoon just hanging out with her boyfriend and taking pictures. He even jumped in a few of the pictures as well. We went to 1,000 hills State Park near Kirksville, Missouri and ended up at my old house at Milan.
My favorite picture from that shoot came from the front porch of my old house. I had dreamed about taking pictures in front of that lattice on our porch. It was definitely one of my favorite pictures from that session. I would love to go back to that spot and do the same picture all over again! Only this time, fix a few things…
Now I can look back at those photos and see the flaws and the “raw luck” I had. I can’t hate those pictures. Because they were truly the first time, someone believed in my skills and allowed me to practice. I truly appreciated that. Every time someone takes a chance on my skills, I can’t help but feel privileged. 