"Anyone can achieve their dreams if they have the courage to pursue them."

I think I was in the 10th grade or sooner when I first decided that I wanted to be a photographer. I originally majored in photography when I was in college, it was my first and third majors. But I got burnt out on it as a major because I felt like my creativity as a photographer was being limited by the professor's expectations.About two weeks ago I made a dream come true. I saved every dollar I earned for the first four months of babysitting and I went out and I bought an absolutely amazing camera. It is currently my favorite toy.

Until about 5 months ago I had lost my love for photography. The last semester I was a photography major I was so burnt out I skipped class probably more than 6 times. But when I moved up here close to Nashville I started a project. I wanted to rekindle my love for photography by taking one photo a day for an entire year to show how much God is changing me and growing me.

I always take my camera to work with me. It is my goal and my passion to make time stand still from the perspective of a lens. The picture above is of the little boy that I babysit on Thursdays and Fridays. I try to capture the personalities of each of the children I babysit. Each one has captured my heart. And I want to capture their heart and their personality. Whether it's something like playing on the playground, playing with a sibling, a milestone such as a "big boy" cup instead of a sippy cup, a special moment with mom or dad, or even throwing a fit. It is always my goal to mostly get candid shots. Because you can see more of the child's personality in candids than you can posed shots. Also, anything that reminds me of God's love or how amazing he is. I also like to make time stand still by finding shots of something historical or unique. The photo below is of a farm close to where I work. I love it because it reminds me of the history of where I live. Twenty years ago Spring Hill was nothing but farmland. Since about 2000 it has boomed. It fascinates me when I pass a farm anywhere in the middle Tennessee area because it tells me a little bit about the town's history and heritage.

I don't know if I will ever do photography as a career. If that is something God has planned for me great. If not that's great too. Right now my heart is in using it as a gift. I have had 3 families look at my photos on my new camera and tell me they want some portraits done. And I also want to do portraits of my very best friend and her boyfriend. All completely free of charge.I really want to do some portraits at the barn that you see at the top. I keep looking at it and thinking of possibilities.

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you", "plans to give you a hope and a future.Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13