The Focal Point: A snapshot of my life in photography

All my life I grew up wanting to pursue a career as a General Practitioner, that is until I took photography in the year 2016 whilst I was a Year 11 student at high school. 

At this time in my life, I was struggling massively with finding the balance of my newly divorced parents.

This came with a personal responsibility in supporting my younger siblings with something I didn’t fully understand, along with discovering who I was within myself at that time.

Not to mention,  the pressure of NCEA Level One on top. I was losing interest in all the classes that I was taking; all except one and that was photography. 

Taking photo’s became the way I could express myself and articulate my emotions without actually telling people what was going on. 

I could make and stage the photos in such a way, that would allow people to come up with their own story. This meant they could take their own meaning from the images that they were seeing.

As I carried on through school I developed a love and passion for photography and decided to change career paths.

Whilst still at school my mother got remarried.  I was privileged enough to be the assistant photographer, which only solidified my decision to change career pathways and follow my heart into photography. 

Both parents supported my decision to make the change into the graphic and visual arts.

On the side, my dad told me to go into journalism, as I am very opinionated and enjoy sharing my thoughts.  I also enjoy learning about other people’s points of view on events that are happening around the world.

I enrolled in the Bachelor of Communications here at Wintec; with the hopes to become a professional photographer and a journalist.

During this year my passion for photography and journalism has grown. I am looking forward to carrying this course on for the next two years to learn further skills and gain a deeper knowledge. 

This degree aspires me to be a role model for others alike, who may be in the same position as I was a couple of years ago. Throughout my time at Wintec, I have come to the realization that although you may not like school, and want to drop out due to the classes you are taking- it does get better.

I want people to be able to see me, or my work and see someone that they can relate to.  Someone who has been in their shoes and has made their life worthwhile. 

They made something of themselves whether they are famous; in the sense that everyone knows them on sight, or whether they have built a happy and successful life.

So to whoever needs to hear this, follow what your heart wants; as in the end, it is your heart that will lead you to whatever makes you the happiest. 

You are the one who is going to be living with whatever decision that you make, so make it one you will enjoy. I gave up a dream that I had for myself for 12 years and I couldn’t be any happier with that decision. 

Dreams develop and change as you grow and transition personally in your life. Do not feel bound to a dream. If it isn’t going to make you happy; don’t feel pressured to pursue it. 

Choosing to follow my passion for photography has made me a happier person and someone that people want to be around.

Photography allowed me to express myself when I couldn’t describe what I was feeling in words.  Photography saved my life and my sanity.