My phone rang and on the other end was an excited voice that I recognized but I wasn’t sure as to what the occasion was. “Dawn, Kirk and I are getting married and we have been discussing our wedding photography and, well, we would like you to photograph our wedding. We have talked it over and can’t think of anyone else that we would rather have do it.” I was honestly shocked. “Me? Really? Gosh. Well, okay.” Seriously, that was about the extent of my initial response. After we hung up I began to immediately question myself…could I do this and deliver what they expected from me? I knew that I could photograph the wedding that wasn’t the problem but could I meet their expectations? Did I believe in my own abilities as much as they obviously did? How would this affect our friendship in the long run? Did I have enough skills to be a wedding photographer? I mean, I had always had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember and certainly I had an insatiable passion for photography but I wasn’t a wedding photographer. I was an MWAC…aka…Mom with a camera. That is the truth.
Six years ago today I shot my very first wedding. It was Jessica and Kirk’s wedding in beautiful Palm Coast, Florida. I attacked the day with confidence and did not give myself an option for failure. I had to succeed because they were depending on me, trusting me with the most special day of their lives! I had to deliver. Funny enough, I wasn’t nervous. I was determined. This was a big job and there were a lot of people counting on me. I do recall one “uh oh moment” though…I ran out of batteries. Yep! I had to send someone to the store to fetch more batteries for me…lesson learned. Other than that I was on cloud nine the entire day and truly enjoyed capturing this amazing celebration for Jessica and Kirk.
It wasn’t until I got the pictures back (because I was still shooting film back then) that I had an epiphany. As I began to assemble their album I became overwhelmed with emotion. Happy tears began to fall because at that moment I KNEW that this was what I was going to do. I was going to be a wedding photographer! Yep. I just knew it. I also knew that I had a long way to go to discover my own style. I had so much to learn and the road probably wasn’t going to be easy but I didn’t care because I knew that I was capable. I knew that I had something to share with people and this was going to be my outlet. I was going to be a wedding photographer!
I recall so vividly the sheer excitement that I felt knowing that Jessica and Kirk were on their way to pick up their wedding album…it was pure elation! I was giddy and overcome with joy and a sense of accomplishment. As they sat across from me at my dinning room table and reviewed their wedding album, I inhaled their joy and I shared in their happiness as they viewed things that they remembered about their day and then discovered things that came as a complete surprise to them. Those feelings that I had…I knew that I needed to experience them again…and again…and again. Pride. Accomplishment. Joy. Anticipation. Warmth. Gratitude. Appreciation. I was going to be a wedding photographer!
That was six years ago today. Jessica and Kirk…without your confidence in me I often wonder if I would have stayed an MWAC or if I would have ultimately pursued on my own what I know now that I was meant to do. You gave me your trust, an outlet for my creativity, a chance to share my passion with you and others and inevitably you started Dawn McCarthy Photography. I thank you! I wish you the happiest anniversary ever!
What a cute story! And big thanks to Jessica and Kirk for helping you to discover your passion!! You’re an awesome wedding photographer and friend!
Thanks for sharing this story about your humble beginnings. I absolutely love your style of photography and am inspired by your testimony. I am still in the beginning stages of discovering my talent when it comes to photography but am really encouraged after reading your testimony. Keep up the good work with both your photography and your blog! I’m lovin’ it!
I admire you for taking the leap to become a professional photographer, and it has obviously paid off for you! Looking forward to meeting you for our upcoming shoot!
ooo, i like that, “I wasn’t nervous! I was determined!” good stuff
Beautiful family has your friends
and that is wahat friends are for, right?
to support us…
I love your work, is always beautiful
Great story!!! You are an inspiration Dawn! Your work is beautiful!
What a great story – congrats to you and congrats to them on their anniversary :)
It’s so many times others seeing in us what we don’t believe is there! Kudos to your friends for seeing your talent and pushing you to see it too! :)
I love stories about the beginning… sometimes it feels funny looking backward…
Your writing always amazes me, I love to read your stories. Not only are you an extremely talented photographer, you are a fabulous writer!! Loved the story.