I am often asked these questions, "How long have you been a photographer?" or "Did you major in photography?" And every time I answered and thought "Oh, no! They are not going to take me seriously!" To my surprise they just accepted my words and we went on with the shoots.
So, to answer some questions...I had no ideas I was going to be a photographer! I've always wanted a nice camera to take pictures of our family, flowers, and grass, etc. We had some money saved up to get me a camera and then I found out we were expecting. I knew I wanted a homebirth so Superman asked me which would I rather have. A nice camera or a homebirth? It was a tough choice but I picked the homebirth. It was the best choice I made too! So after the Little Captain was born my super, compassionate husband got me a camera!! He said he wanted to get me the one I wanted but it was no longer in our budget so this is the best he could do and I loved it!! We couldn't get home fast enough for me to play with it and I fell in love right away. The next few months I spent taking photos of my precious kids and had no idea I was entering an amazing adventure!!
A friend posted on Facebook asking for recommendations on a local photographer for her new baby girl. I thought to myself, "Hey, I could do it!" So I commented thinking there are plenty for her to pick from so I went on with my day. Later she contacted me and asked if I would do it and of course I took it! I began reading up on how photograph newborns and oh my head hurt! I did my best making her feel calmed about the upcoming session and brought my camera and whatever props I could think of. And there we began! It was hard work and took a lot of patience from everyone involved. I was so grateful to be given a great opportunity to learn and our friends were so sweet!!
For those who don't know me, I don't like to settle for good enough so I went on learning more about techniques, lighting, focus, etc. I am also grateful for Pinterest!! I wanted to be good at it! From the wonderful words of mouth that more friends graciously asked me to photograph their families. I gave away certificates to a local crisis pregnancy ministry and adoption fundraisers to get practiced. I loved every minute of the hard work I had to learn. I spent many sleepless night studying and waited for naptimes so I could run outside and practice.
The reason I share about my journey of becoming a photographer is not because it's about me. But it is because it is all about God. He taught me to wait...wait...wait...go...wait, and wait some more. I didn't want to get ahead of myself so I did a lot of praying and listening to His whisper. I became a photographer mostly through waiting. And I am not a very patience person! Can you see the trend of the story here? It's about waiting on Him to unveil His plans to me.
Many nights I would dream of being in studios watching professional photographers do their work. It was like they were showing me the step by step techniques and I would try them and they worked! It was a beautiful journey the Lord had allowed me in. I also found myself a mentor in Dallas, TX. She and Superman graduated high school together and she graciously accepted my request and walked me through major process of becoming a photographer.
I kept my work under the radar for quite a while because there are many incredible photographers in our small community. One afternoon our family took a walk downtown and unbeknownst to us it was our high school homecoming parade. I was excited to be there with my camera. Then I caught sight of a professional photographer with his expense camera and I began to put mine back in the bag. Then I heard the Lord said, "You are not the grasshopper and he is not your giant." I was so convicted and from that moment on I said to Him, "Lord, show me what You want me to do and how to do it." I began to pray for a name for my work. It wasn't easy at all and I even asked friends on Facebook to help but no one could help me with it.
I had just left serving a crisis pregnancy ministry and my heart was still broken about it but it was the best decision Superman and I made together for me to be at home with our children. The ministry work was so fresh on my mind and I was reminded of all those babies our ministry had saved and how we were all created in His image and for Him. Then the words came to mind: Created for You. I thought was super cheesy and didn't think it would stick, but it grew on me! It has double meaning to what I do and the purpose I have!! I custom create beautiful images for my clients but the most important thing is that I was created to bring Him glory and so are those in my images!!
I love how His words are so evidence in our lives:
"For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." Colossians 1:16 (NKJV)
"You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." Revelation 4:11 (NKJV)
So...that's how I began. :-) I try my best to not measure my work to incredible photographers who I truly admire in our community. I learned quickly it would not glorify Him at all if I do that so I try focusing only on my work and use others for inspirations to drive me further in my passion. I compare each of my new session to the previous ones so that I don't stay stuck, become bored, or envious of others' hard work.
August 2012 with Miss Tirzah
August 2013 with Miss Maycee (11 days new)
I hope my story helps you see a journey of transformation through God and paying close attention to His instruction. I never regretted those long, sleepless nights learning and praying. I feel this is setting me up for the beautiful things to come! I couldn't have done it without the help of my Superman and my patience children, and along beautiful friends who let me photograph them. So grateful for all who believed in me, and encouraged me every step of the way! Your words of affirmation had helped me become who I am destined to be in this season of my life as a stay-at-home Mom.
Blessings,
Trang
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