Why I Became A Photographer

When I was a kid, my parents would gather us up on the weekends and pile us all into the backseat of the car. (There were three of us at the time, and it was a tight squeeze back there sometimes.)

We had no idea where we were headed, but I was always excited for these adventures.

We always ended up in a new place, a national forest, a local historical site, or at some kind of landmark. I began taking photos of these places when I was around 10 or so. At the time, I didn't realize that I would appreciate those photos as much as I do now.

At a young age, I thought it was important to have these photos. I am a very sentimental person, and I like to keep photo albums, a hard copy, REAL PROOF of this memory that I will fondly recall when I'm older. I wanted to have these photos to go on record as a happy time in my life. My mom still has photo albums of myself and my siblings growing up, and each of those photos, my mom has a story about.

My parents eventually caught on, and my mom bought me my first digital camera when I was a teenager. I was headed on a youth mission trip with a local church to Kentucky, and I remember the excitement of having my camera, attached to my side, ready to capture anything, at any time.

As time went on, I tried many, many, many other different hobbies.

I became a mother, I learned new skills and trades. I started school, then quit school and moved to Florida.

I have been greatly inspired here in Florida, especially with attending mega-truck races, mud drags, and sports of that sort.

The nature and wildlife in Southwest Florida is beautiful and I love just grabbing my camera and taking a seat in the backyard for a little while. Just the other day, I caught a beautiful shot of a blue jay that is a regular to my bird feeder.

My fiance, Brian, has recognized this as one of my passions from the very beginning of our relationship. He agreed that I needed to follow my dreams, and hold on to the things that I am passionate about. He has been my number one fan since day one, and I couldn't be more appreciative of everything he does to support my work.

So almost two years ago, I invested in another camera, and starting posting my work. I came up with a name for myself, Muddy Mama. I LOVE sharing my work with you guys, and I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for all of you that support me. Every like, share, and re-post is worth something to me, and I am humbled by those of you that reach out to me in person to let me know that you love my photos.

So, thank you.

Thank you for supporting and cheering me on.

This is for you.

Stay dirty,

Muddy Mama

P.S.

I just wanted to add that the photos that you see featured on this post are from recent trips to different places around Florida.