A Deeper Look
A calendar reminder popped up on my phone a few days ago... “the day I broke my foot.” This is an aspect of my life that I haven’t really shared in my bio/story in relation to photography... which is crazy because it’s how I’ve gotten where I am today as an artist. Moving to Oklahoma when I was 9 was the game changer and where it all started.
Yes, it was terrifying, yes it was awful. But little did I know that what I was about to discover would shape me into who I am.
My mother and I met an incredible woman named Katha, the director of a local dance studio. She took me under her wing for years. The result of her mentorship and training along with many other teachers were ministry opportunities to perform in Times Square, Houston, benefit concerts, 20+hours a week in the studio, and so many other opportunities that I can’t even name them all.
Then it happened. Hip problem, back problem, ankle problem and a broken foot, all over the course of 4 months. Worst year ever? Nope.
It was April, which means one thing. Spring recital. I couldn’t bear not being involved. I had to be there. One morning after an appointment to monitor my foot’s progress, I remembered my mom had a DSLR in her closet... I taught myself how to use it and shot Every. Single. Show. I wasn’t dancing with them on stage, but I was in heart. Next thing I knew, ALL of the moms were asking for copies of photos.
“Could this be something? Could I actually do something with this?” I asked myself...
The next fall, I eased back into dance, but I knew there was something else for me.
Fast forward to 2015- I decided to officially take the plunge and enrolled at UCO to major in photography.
The knowledge I gathered there is invaluable. The film and dark room class taught me to not rely on computer editing. Take 1-2 shots of something confidently, knowing that they WILL turn out.
I’m reminiscing today, because of that calendar reminder. The hardest things shape us into who we are as people. I would not be the person I am today if I hadn’t found that studio. I’m forever grateful.
- Grace
2nd photo- first and last pair of pointe shoes which were put away after that spring of injuries.