How I Became A Photographer

Isn’t it amazing how small decisions can change your path in such a big way? A very small choice led to where I am now.

In grade 10 I decided to take the photo class because it seemed easy. It clearly wasn’t easy because I didn’t get amazing marks. However, I finished that class with something much more special. I remember the awe I felt to see an image appear on a normal looking sheet of paper. My love for image making had been sparked.

Next, I got my first job at 17 so I could buy a DSLR. I started photographing everything, mostly people. Even though I was painfully shy, I had an interest in photographing people from day one. I remember going to the Zombie Walk many years in a row to dress up and take photos of all the zombies.

I landed a co-op placement with a local wedding photographer and shot my first wedding at 18. I hated every moment of it. It was a very traditional approach to wedding photos. I didn’t like having to walk up to a table of guests, interrupt them, ask them for a photo and ask them to “Say Cheese!”. Nonetheless, I got some experience.

When high school came to a close I applied to Ryerson. I didn’t get in. I wasn’t too fazed by it. I don’t like essays. Instead, I took Art & Design at Durham. I got to paint, draw, take photos, sculpt. I did really well there including winning best in show for the photo category. I was really proud to have my images hung in the Station Gallery even though they were ultimately stolen/lost forever.

When the time came again to apply for schools, I applied to Humber College’s Creative Photography Program. I had to put together a portfolio and go for an interview. I was accepted on the spot. That was definitely one of the most exciting moments of my young life. Humber was a dream and I learned so much. I nerded out hardcore on the daily while others lived that “college life”. Sadly, my time at Humber came to a close and it was time to become a real photographer. However, Humber didn’t teach me how to be a business person.

I had a bunch of crappy jobs after school and was super bummed about it. At one point I didn’t touch my camera for over a year. After a soul-searching trip to Scotland, I returned with a new perspective. I hyperfocused on becoming a pro photographer. After dabbling in multiple areas, I came to the (ironic) conclusion that I wanted to photograph weddings. I began second shooting and shooting with couples I knew to build a portfolio. I also dived headfirst into learning about everything business so I could start getting clients. About a year after that, I walked out of yet another shitty job and decided I would never again have a boss. It’s been a year since that moment and I can’t believe I’ve finally achieved what I’ve wanted for the last 10 years.

My advice to someone who wants to become a photographer or be their own boss? Never ever give up.

Read more about what it’s like to be a wedding photographer.