10 years ago…

10 years ago, I was a senior in highschool coming back from Christmas break already being accepted to my college of choice with the whole world ahead of me. I felt so fortunate to know what I wanted to do with my life. Many of my friends had an idea but no direction. For me it was simple. Photography was my creative outlet. It was the way for me to escape and document life from my viewpoint and I couldn’t get enough of it.

I am not an overly religious person, but I do believe in signs. I remember that every single day of my senior year of highschool I saw something that related to photography. It may have been something on TV, a magazine ad or article, or from a movie. But each and everyday a sign from the photo-god’s was sent my way.

Fast forward two years later, I am graduating from college and have no clue what is next. I am unemployed and returning home after living in sunny, warm South Florida. For a short time I worked in Corprate America while building my brand and business. I can recall the day I told my bosses I was going to leave the company and that my business had taken off. I remember walking in the office, sitting in the chair and the tears flowed. I wasn’t crying because I was giving up a job or thought they would be upset. I was crying because at that very moment in time, I knew I was giving up what was safe for me and took a chance on myself.

It was one of the greatest days of my life and I am so thankful that all of my hardwork and dedication to building a business had paid off. This was in January and by March I was done. I haven’t looked back and never plan on it.

If someone would have told me that I would have graduated college with a degree in something I am so passionate ab0ut and love, started my own business and would have gotten married, bought a house and traveled the world like I have been so fortunate to, I would have called them crazy.

As 2010 is underway, I can’t wait to see what sort of post I come up with in 2020. I feel so blessed each and everyday that I am able to do something I love. I challenge you to do something you love. Find that passion and never think for a minute that you can’t make it work.

And because a post if much better with pictures, I have added a few progress photos of our new meeting/gallery space. A few prints still need framed and hung, along with finishing the decor, but I am so excited and proud to call this space home for Amanda Kraft Photography!