Career Day

As you may know, I was asked by the local elementary school, to come and speak at career day.  I was more than happy to oblige.  Being a photographer is an amazing job, and I love talking about what I do.  Especially, to children who are so curious. Children are like little sponges, they absorb anything you tell them.  I prepared a presentation, but when I got into the classrooms, I threw that aside.  I just tried to get down to their level.  I had to speak to 6 different classes, ranging from Kindergarten to 3rd grade. 

 I printed some of my favorite pictures to 10x13 size, so that the pictures where big enough for all the children in the class to see.this is a small example of what I brought in with me.

The children (and some of the teachers) were so impressed with the pictures they got to see.  It made me feel so good when the kids would OOOH and AHHH over my work.  Children are so honest, and if the dont like something you know it.  I think thats why I love children so much.  They are still so innocent and honest. 

I made sure I let them know how important education is for photographers.  Computers, Art, and Math and Science are all important factors in being a photographer.  I told them all, that you will never stop learning, because the industry is always changing.  Photography is a subject you will always have to take classes, to update your knowledge.  I told them how I take classes, and read books constantly to make me better at my job. 

Every class I went to asked me either whats my favorite part of the job, or whats the worst part about being a photographer.  My answers were as follows:  My favorite part of my job, is being silly and making people laugh.  Also making people feel beautiful, who might otherwise not feel so pretty.  And the worst thing, is being stuck at the computer all day editing pictures or working on my website, cause  I would rather be outside in the fresh air. 

The kindergartners, and 1st grade classes, had alot of questions like "have you ever taken a picture of a spider, or a hippo, or a shoe, or the floor"  and my favorite was "can you take a picture of me"

this is my little friend Jose.

One of the little boys was so inspired by what I had to say, he ran up after my presentation to show me his ART.  He said, "look at what I can do, I can draw, could I be a photographer?"  I looked at him and said "honey you can be whatever you want, but as well as you draw, you can be a painter, or even a comic book drawer"  His whole face lit up as he walked away admiring his work.  That made me feel so good.  To know I touched one child.  Thats all that matters, is that one child walked away from this with a belief in themself. 

Today, I was back in the school, having lunch with my daughter.  In the hallways, the kids recognized me.  Out of my work clothes, no makeup, and no big camera equiptment with me.  They saw me and said "hey theres the picture lady!'  in the lunchroom, I saw alot of familiar faces smiling and waving!  It made me feel so happy inside.  I feel so very blessed to have been included in this very important day.  To meet all these precious little faces, and answer their many questions.