Flashback to 7th grade at APW Middle School. I was in Social Studies with Mr. Hogan as my teacher. I had the most awful outfits, cool friends, and big dreams. One day, the guidance counselor had come down to the classroom for a little speech. I remember we had to go around the room and say what we thought we would like to be when we "grow up." I remember when it came to be my turn I immediately said I wanted to be a photographer. Apparently that wasn't a good enough answer, or maybe they were truly interested, but they then asked me, "What kind?" I then remember being very irritated. I remember sitting there in the silence and being so embarrassed that I couldn't pick just one so I just blurted out "nature".

You see, you can ask a child who says they want to be a doctor, "What kind?" But most of the time you don't. You can ask a child who says they want to be a lawyer, "What kind?" But most of the time you don't. Simply because, those career labels by themselves are enough. But when it comes to the arts, being a photographer is not enough. Maybe this is because literally everyone is a "Photographer" in today's society. However, I think the main reasoning is that when we decide to become artists we are allowing ourselves to walk around with the word "STARVING" floating above our heads. This is actually pure irony. Because everything humans do, is art. Be it beautiful or ugly. Art is the creation of something new, something born out of nothing. Being a "starving artist" makes me very proud. The work my peers and I create is simply amazing.

But in the back of each of our minds we are thinking the same thing, "Will I make it?" There are so many people trying to do the same thing as me in this world, what makes me different?

We recently went to NYC for a workshop. There, the man said to us that if we truly want to make a name for ourselves in photography we have to move to NYC. No questions asked, that's the way to go. I think he was referring to Fashion Photography. At least I sure hope, because this girl is NOT a city person. I have tried, but more than 24 hours of seeing buildings that look like they are caving in on you. Or, the constant noise drives me literally insane.

On that note, I do however believe it takes a special kind of person to be a photographer. Not just a "point and shoot" "add some filters" photographer. But one that can appreciate the depth of a photo. One that can stand in a darkroom for hours on end, wasting sheet after sheet of paper that they spent 40 dollars on and only have 25 of. Literally shedding a tear each time they throw a piece away. But they do it anyway, because they know they can create that perfect image they see in their heads.

Photographers are so much more than "people who take pictures". Photographers are light benders, we are the recorders for history. We have this knowledge, this talent that is completely amazing. When every ray of light connects with the silver of a negative, there is a internal "click" and a photographer knows what they've done is perfect. For the love of a photograph, and the ENTIRE process behind one single image, I am and will continue to be proud of my decision to pursue this career. I will continue to feed my brain with as much knowledge as possible. And one day, show people that you don't have to choose "what kind" of photographer you want to be.

You CAN be it all, but only, with the love for a photograph.