Honoring Dad with her Photography Blog
Photography has always been a hobby of mine, and after my dad passed, it reignited my interest because he was an amateur photographer. He left behind over 2,000 photos of friends and family—many of which he developed in his at-home darkroom. Confessions of a Photo Freak, my photography blog, is my way to honor him. I think he’d like it.
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Currently, Rhonda Hall has a full time career as a Program Administrator for a Psychiatry residency program (for medical doctors who want to become psychiatrists). But beneath her normal business babe blazer, she wears a sequined t-shirt that proudly proclaims her super power: Photo Freak! Well, not really, but then, how do we know she doesn’t? Hm?
Growing up, Rhonda got interested in photography from her dad’s hobby. In high school, she signed up for a journalism class to learn more about how to capture life’s moments. But her class schedule changed and she ended up in band, instead. Nevertheless, she found a way to keep learning.
Over the years I always found myself with a camera, more notably the disposable cameras that required developing at your local drug store. My go-to store was Walgreen’s. From there I would purchase my very first point-and-shoot camera—a pink Sony Cybershot—in 2007. Then, in 2011 I bought my first Canon Rebel DSLR camera following the birth of my daughter.
For the next two years Rhonda loved photographing her little daughter and all of her milestones. Then life and time intruded and the camera was put away for a while.
But If You Try Sometime
Rhonda’s fascination with light and shadow grew, and in 2018 she was inspired to start a photography blog. Within a few weeks, the blog had a name – Confessions of a Photo Freak. The domain was purchased and she began designing her new site.
Shortly after, Rhonda’s father became ill, so she put her blog on the back burner to dedicate time to caring for him.
He passed on Dec. 14, 2018. I sat at my kitchen table on the morning of New Year’s Eve and suddenly I remembered that I wanted to start a blog. For hours I sat at the table, trying to decide on a topic for my first post. And then it hit me — “Duh, Rhonda…talk about your dad,” so that’s what I did. I dedicated my site and first blog entry to my dad.
Rhonda is busy transforming a spare room in their house into her studio, and plans to launch her photography business early next year. Meanwhile, follow along with her blog, especially if you’re in Northern California, in the East Bay area.
You Just Might Find
While searching Etsy for premade logos for my brand, I stumbled across Autumn Lane’s branding service. I thought it would be great to have someone create the logo for me (not thinking that I needed to give my input). The overall process was seamless. But finalizing decisions was a bit challenging for me because it was difficult for me to choose just one design! Overall, I am very pleased with their ideas. I believe the design is reflective of my personality and will go well with representing the services I will offer in the future.
My future is very bright. This year I will focus on making time to dedicate strictly to my blog. I already have people ready and willing to allow me to practice on them to perfect my craft. I plan to have my home studio set up and ready by Summer. My hope is that I will have paying clients by this time next year.
You Get What You Need
Like other ‘average American adults’, Rhonda’s biggest obstacle has been Time. She’s a wife, mother to active kids (8 years and 13 years old). And she works full time with an hour commute.
Thankfully, she has a supportive husband who is pushing her to pursue her dream. He’s committed to make sure that she has the time she needs to dedicate to her dream. When asked about her greatest success so far, Rhonda laughs.
I don’t have much to say yet regarding success. But if I had to give an example it would be that I finally stopped making excuses and stepped out of my comfort zone to start making things happen.
Follow your dream. I have many regrets about missed opportunities due to lack of confidence or making excuses. I don’t want to look back and regret not following my passion for photography — my Dad’s photos showed me what it looks like to live life in the moment. Practice your craft to help build confidence. It’s easy not to give up when you’re confident in your work.
Do you have a dream to someday have your own business and quit your job to build it full time? Why not follow Rhonda’s example, by getting your brand out there to be recognized, prior to launching your company? Maybe you want to do something to honor a family member or a friend. Contact us and we’ll help to make it happen!
What’s the best advice you have for someone that is interested in doing something similar to you?
