Four years ago, I gave up working concert security when my son was born. I loved my job and was proud of the work I was doing, unfortunately it just became an unmanageable job for a single mother. Soon after, I ended up moving to California, I was this only-parent to this small amazing little boy, his entire life was dependant on me and I had no choice but to start over. I left most of my belongings behind in my apartment and fit what I could in my jeep and off we drove to California It was one of the hardest decisions Ive ever made, but it was also one of the best things I could have done for my son and I.
Fast forward a few months later, and Im struggling with all the changes in my life, a new home, in a new state, playing this new role of 'mommy'. I ended up living in FB world, it was my only connection to my old life, and to just people in general. Being a stay at home mom was much more isolating than I ever could have imagined. I would feel envy and bitterness anytime I saw a friend going out or a co- worker, working shows I would have been at.
Theres one that stands out in particular and that was when the X Ambassadors where performing at Red Rocks in 2016 and I was just so devastated to be missing out on that show. I sat in my living room just desperate to get back some of what I had lost in myself. I really didnt even know what to do, where to begin or how to start, I just felt so stuck in this transitional period of my life. It wasn't until months later, after my sons first birthday that I decided to finally pursue my dreams of becoming a photographer. I bought a used Nikon D5200 DSLR on Offer Up for $120 bucks and just learned everything I could. I spent all my free time learning my camera, watching you tube tutorials, shooting, and editing for fun. I joined tons of groups online and started meeting other photographers and studying their images.