I want a bite of...changing careers

I spent four years and thousands of dollars to earn a college degree in Education. I taught for a few years and went on to spend two more years and thousands of dollars more to obtain a Masters degree in Education. I then immediatley quit my career in teaching and became a photographer. Some people would think I'm crazy for doing this. I think it would be crazy if I hadn't.

You see, I had the opportunity to travel to Africa with a non-profit organization called Hands of Hope when I was in graduate school. We were going to visit the school that this organization had built for the poor in a rural area in Zambia. I went as a teacher and came back as a photographer. I had brought my camera with on the trip and took pictures of the people we encountered. The founder of Hands of Hope liked my photographs so much that she asked to use them to raise money. I, of course, said yes and months later found out that the organization made thousands of dollars off of my photographs. The photograph that made the most money is a photograph of a young boy, David, with his chicken. People began to ask for my website and a career change inevitably ensued.


I have thought often about the true meaning of life and what matters most. My conclusion? Faith. People. Love. These are the three things that come up time and again. They are what motivate and inspire my work and ultimately my purpose for living. I love the experience of looking deep into the eyes of the faces I meet and wondering what their life experience is. Often faces can mask the truth of what a person feels and has experienced. A smile can mask the pain hidden beneath. As a photographer, I take the time to get to know people and wait until a look on their face is given that provides a glimpse into their soul. To be able to actually find out people's story, and to document it in photograph and story, is an experience that feeds my soul and gives purpose to the work I do. I consider it an absolute blessing and privilege when I am given the opportunity to do so. This is why I want to travel the world taking photographs of people and telling their story. Stories that matter and inspire.

Perhaps I won't earn enough money to make it as a photographer for years and years. Perhaps the opportunities will fade away. However, for now, and for as long as the door to this opportunity remains open, I will gladly pursue it. I never once thought I would do the same thing for my entire life. Life is too short and I have too many interests. I just pray that I can continue to do what I enjoy and to do something that makes a difference in the lives of others. I will continually walk through the doors of opportunity.