Growing up I hated being asked what my hobbies were. I didn’t think I had any. I was never that kid who played sports, or loved to paint, or collected things. My sister was the one with the hobby, not me.
In actuality I did have hobbies, I just thought they were too nerdy or didn’t fall into a nice neat category, so I didn’t want to share them.
I loved to read, I loved to draw, I loved to write stories, and dream up crazy skits with my friends. In college I went through a phase where I learned to crochet. Later on it was jewelry making. Then scrapbooking.
It wasn’t until later in life that I’d realize the theme of creativity that weaved it’s way into all of these hobbies of mine and how they’d eventually steer me in the direction of my true passion, photography.
Fast forward a few years later, when Brendan and I began family planning. I wanted a new camera, or at the very least to learn how to master the powerful point and shoot we already owned.
Selfishly I had no clue how we’d ever afford professional newborn photography, and I was hoping to save a few bucks by learning to do it on my own.
Photography quickly became that hobby I never embraced growing up, giving me a sense of confidence and purpose as I started my rough journey into motherhood.
Now that those early selfish motives have melted away I’ve realized there will always be a need to hire a professional photographer so that I can actually get in some photos with my family too.
But, during the in between times I now have a skill set and a creative outlet that not only serves me and feeds my soul, but one that can be done with family and serves them as well.
Photography has granted me permission to pursue my own passions while also connecting on a deeper level with my daughter and my husband through play, activities, and moments we can document together.
If you’re a mom whose looking to explore and expand her photography hobby in a more meaningful and skillful way, I’d encourage you to check out the 100 steps project. You’ll get the exact next steps to find inspiration and create photos you’ll love.
I’d love to help you explore a hobby that’s going to serve you and those around you for a lifetime.