The Unexpected Path: My 6-Month Journey as a Fashion Photographer and Beyond
Six months ago, I embarked on a journey to establish myself as a fashion photographer, filled with dreams of creating editorial spreads for high-profile magazines and capturing the essence of style through my lens. The journey has been anything but straightforward, and yet, it’s been one of the most transformative periods of my life. As I sit here reflecting on this time, I realize that the twists and turns have taught me more than I ever imagined—not just about photography, but about resilience, growth, and rediscovering old passions.
The Challenges of Breaking In
Starting a career as a fashion photographer is no small feat, especially when you’re building from scratch. With no steady income and the pressure of living in New York City, I threw myself into honing my craft. I took courses to deepen my technical knowledge—lighting, composition, editing—and spent countless hours updating my portfolio. I reached out to agencies, applied for gigs, and offered to shoot for free just to get my name out there. Despite my efforts, paying jobs remained elusive.
There were moments of doubt, times when I questioned if I had chosen the right path. Retail was always an option, but the thought of returning to it felt like giving up on my creative ambitions. I knew I wanted more than a job; I wanted a career that allowed me to express myself fully and make an impact.
Rediscovering Fashion Design
As I struggled to gain traction in photography, something unexpected happened. My mind began to wander back to my roots in fashion design. Years ago, I had paused my own label to focus on other endeavors, but the creative spark never left me. I started sketching again, playing with fabric, and imagining collections that blended my love for photography with my passion for design.
It was a pivotal moment. Instead of seeing my struggle in photography as a failure, I began to see it as an opportunity to expand my creative horizons. Could I combine photography, design, and styling into one cohesive career? The idea excited me, and for the first time in months, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.
Becoming a 33-Year-Old Intern
In the midst of this self-discovery, an opportunity arose: a design internship with a luxury brand. At 33, becoming an intern felt… odd, to say the least. Most of my peers are well-established in their careers, and here I was, starting over in many ways. But instead of letting insecurity take over, I chose to see it as a stepping stone. This was my chance to learn from some of the best in the industry and to immerse myself in the world of luxury fashion.
The internship has already started to inspire me. I’m gaining insight into the inner workings of a high-end brand, from the design process to the business side of fashion in just one day!. It’s a humbling experience, but it’s also thrilling to know that I’m building a foundation for the future.
Yearning for More
This journey has made one thing clear: I’m yearning for more in my life. More creativity, more fulfillment, more opportunities to grow. I’ve realized that I don’t have to choose between being a photographer, a designer, or a stylist. There’s room to do it all, to carve out a unique space that’s entirely my own.
While I’m still not where I want to be—financially stable, working on high-profile projects, or fully established in my career—I’m learning to appreciate the journey. Every step, no matter how small, is bringing me closer to my goals. And as I prepare to take on this new role with a luxury brand, I’m excited about the doors it could open and the possibilities it holds.
Looking Ahead
The past six months have taught me that success doesn’t come overnight and that it’s okay to pivot, to try new things, and to keep learning. Being an intern at 33 might not have been part of my original plan, but it’s a chapter I’m embracing with open arms. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me—in photography, design, and beyond. For anyone else feeling stuck or uncertain, my advice is this: stay curious, stay open, and never stop chasing what sets your soul on fire.
