What inspired Southern Belle's Photography

My dream has always been to capture the world through my camera lens. Everyday I get closure to achieving that goal. So far I've at least captured parts of the Midwest, Southern Portion and East Coast United States in the passenger seat of a semi using my old Galaxy S9, but my love for photography didn't start there. However that's when it truly blossomed.

I've always felt inspired by photography, I remember seeing an amazing photo in a magazine, or on tv and telling my mom that one day one of my photos will be on display. She always let me use her camera. It was as basic, not to fancy camera, just your simple point and shoot. She always encouraged me to be the best I can be and to achieve every goal I set. I know if she were still here, she would be super proud of me for chasing my dreams, and finally achieving the goals that I've had in place for a really long time. . When I was in the 7th grade, I took yearbook, I believe doing so planted the seed of inspiration even more. We had one camera in the class, and I remember always itching to use it because it was the first DSRL that I learned to operate; that class is also where I learned the basics of Photoshop and Lightroom. Which is a skill that has really helped me enhance my artistic style today. I'll forever be thankful to Mrs. Ramsey for planting the seed of knowledge in me as well. To this day, when I get frustrated on anything and want to give up. I still hear her voice in my head saying "Just Keep Swimming" because she would say that to all of us in class when we were having an off day.

Finally, to the more recent support and inspiration, after the year, in a half of being on the semi with my at the time boyfriend, Gary (now fiancé), and capturing all the beautiful sites along the journey with just my phone.. I started an Instagram, and a Facebook page dedicated to that my photography, and to look back on my growth as a photographer. Over the several years we've been together, I kept telling him the only thing I really wanted was my own camera. I had my heart set on a certain one for quite some time, but I never brought myself around to making that big of a purchase for myself. Finally, a few days before my 22nd birthday, He's continuously apologizing because he wasn't going to be able to do much for my birthday that year. Which if you know me, then you know just how much I dislike birthdays and surprises. Even though, this man has always made me feel super special, every day of the year not just on a select few.. So needless to say I didn't expect anything. mainly because funds had been tight, and we were gearing up to move. So needless to say, I was so shocked when he woke me up on my birthday and told me that he got the camera that I had been wanting for a really long time. I don't I had ever been so excited (except for the very first day we met) but I just couldn't wait to get my hands on it. He's always been super supportive of my goals and dreams, and he helped me be able to achieve one of my biggest ones. Thank you honey for always motivating me and inspiring me to be the best I can be. I can't wait for the rest of our lives together, along with seeing the crazy adventures I just know my camera is going to take us on.

Now to my best friend Audrey, for inspiring me further, I truly appreciate the daily inspirational ideas, and also watching you grow and expand your knowledge as a photographer to. I can't wait for all of our girls trips that our love for photography will someday take us on. I'm proud of you.

As much as I would like to say I've done this all on my own, I know I haven't, and that I have so many people in my life to be thankful for. For always believing in me, especially during the times I didn't believe in myself. Also for your on going support as I take the steps to turn my hobby into what I hope to someday be a full time career.