When I started out as a photographer, I had dreams of National Geographic, Rolling Stone magazine etc... I never dreamed of becoming a school photographer.. but, here I am.

I must say, even though it is not my dream job, there are many reasons I do love this job...

One, I am still always working with a camera in my hand... that right there beats sitting at a desk in an office any day.... at least for me.. I cannot spend my day confined by the same walls, routines, and people... it's just not who I am.

Two, I absolutely love to work with people, children especially! What could be better than making kids smile all day? Or at least trying to! And there is NO better feeling than a child that gives you a genuine smile because you are being completely silly.

Three, it's a great feeling when those same children really like their pictures. Oh, there are plenty that will come back with a great portrait and want it retaken, but it's a trying age for some, and why not let them have a picture they consider better than the first?  I especially love when a child won't smile because they don't think it looks good... and I can give them an opportunity to see two pictures side by side, one without the smile, and one with, that they gave just because I asked them to, with the promise that they could choose. And the majority will choose the smile. They just don't know how good they actually look. Even in this day and age, of Instagram, Facebook, constant selfies, these school pictures have a real value in their lives.

Four, I get to work with a lot of great people!! I have developed lasting friendships with people that work in schools that I frequent. It makes getting up at ungodly hours quite bearable! Looking forward to seeing people that you enjoy working with makes your day a whole lot better!

And five, this job gives me the opportunity to have free time!! I had previously taken a management position for this same company, but found that didn't fit who I was. And a stretch of loss cemented that feeling. I could not spend my days in the office when life was waiting for me outside of those walls. Stepping down from management back into the world of photography would give me TIME!!  And that is priceless!! With this free time, I can pursue the photography that I have a passion for... It doesn't always have to be far away ... it can be a day spent at the local beach.. seeing wildlife, people, events... and best of all, it gives me time to spend with the important people in my life.. and one can never have enough time for that!