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Have you ever had a passion?
Did you know that finding and developing your passion will also BLESS your kids and help them GROW in so many life skills? In fact, any time you work on improving yourself, you help them, too...(Or, if you don't have children, you're still creating a super important ripple effect of positivity and perseverance on the world.)
Can you think of one thing that you enjoy so deeply that you want to do it all the time?
I challenge you to find at least one thing, because when you do what you love, you can SHARE it with your kids AND it doesn’t feel like “work.”
What if my passion isn't a big deal and it's just something little I pursue?
Only you can define you and what lights you up. It doesn’t matter how others think of you. When you find what makes you happy in this world, it leads to incredible, lifelong joy, and life-changing experiences that help you grow.
I am speaking to the power of pursuing your passion because pursuing mine has impacted my entire life. I'm sharing how my journey unfolded so that you can see how pursuing a passion can happen for you and your kids, too.
I got my first camera and began photography classes as my chosen elective class when I was only in 6th grade. Each summer I entered my beginner photos into the county fair and would win a couple of dollars from my hobby. That is how my photography journey started.
A few years later, I started high school and got my second camera. It still wasn’t my dream camera but it was an upgrade. I knew I had a passion for photography but I didn’t know how to become a photographer. I didn’t know how to use my skills so I put the camera away and let it sit in my drawer. I had been too comfortable using my smartphone to take photos.
Finally, in college I received my first DSLR camera for Christmas and that is when I really blossomed. I dove into my passion and got some new lenses. Holidays, family travels, and random gatherings would include me bringing my camera and capturing every moment.
Over the last three years, I have grown so much as a person and still have a lot to learn. I’ve watched many YouTube videos, purchased posing guides and presets, and practiced, practiced, practiced. I found online communities of photographers to gather inspiration and tips. I didn’t know what it took to become a real photographer, not quite yet realizing that I was already one.
Two months ago, I did my first ever paid photoshoot. I never thought I could be paid to do something I was really passionate about.
At that moment. I realized that I could do it. When I discovered my strengths, I started getting more opportunities.
Friends would tell their friends, and new clients would refer me to more new clients. I’m glad I never gave up.
This year I will be doing my first wedding and photographing for a local magazine. I can’t wait to see what else will happen this year as I stay determined and learn even more skills to express myself.
My best piece of advice to anyone with a passion is to just go for it. No matter how long it takes, if you’re passionate about something, you will always find your way back to it.
Hannah Fitzgerald
Hannah has been passionate about photography since 6th grade, when she finally decided to follow her dreams and start a blossoming photography business. To learn more about Hannah, you can visit Hvfitz Photos at https://hvfitzphotos.mypixieset.com