I had no idea the hobby I picked up in high school would have such a major impact in the career field I have chosen as an adult.
In high school, I started getting interested in photography. Instagram was on the rise, and I was following more and more photographers that inspired me to try my hand with the camera. I ended up buying my first DSLR and essentially teaching myself how to use it via YouTube and practice.
In the beginning, it was purely a hobby that I would force my friends, family and even dog to assist me with by being my models. Once I learned the ins and outs of my camera, I began getting requests to shoot various events for people. This was a turning point for me because I realized I could charge for these services and save up for newer, better equipment!
Photography cultivated my entrepreneurial spirit.
I learned that I could take something I loved doing and turn it into a product that the people around me valued and sought after me for. Even after this realization, I still had no idea what impact this hobby-turned-business would have on my professional career.
As I began gathering experience in the Strategic Communications field, my work with photography repeatedly popped up. Time after time, in interviews, the employer circled back to my photography business. My knowledge and skill with a camera was seen as a valuable addition to my other skills and set me apart from other candidates.
My passion and hobby translated into my professional life seamlessly. I am able to take headshots, shoot stock photography to use in my design and social media work and shoot events that will be used for promotion in the future.
I'm thankful for the opportunities photography has presented me.
Without my FujiFilm camera starting it all, I can't imagine where I'd be.
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