People often ask me, “How long have you been doing this?” I’m not really sure how to answer them. It was about five years ago that I filled out all the paperwork that brought Lizzy Yates Photography into existence. How long has photography been a part of what I do and who I am? Well, I didn’t fill out any paperwork to make that official, but there are boxes and albums full of prints that show it has been a very long time.
In retrospect it seems fairly obvious that I would end up as a photographer. I have always loved pictures. Throughout high school and college I was known for always have my camera with me. I documented every event, each friendship (sometimes to the point of being slightly annoying, I’ll have a few high school friends who will “like” this fact) . I filled my walls with cork boards covered with snapshots. I clearly remember going to the 1 hour film developer and waiting to the minute to pick up prints from dances and all sorts of other events.
At least once a week someone says to me, “You’ve got the best job.” And despite the fact that it can seem cheesy, I have to agree. I get to meet babies in the first days that they are a part of this world and I get to capture that look parents have when they realize that nothing can prepare you for THAT feeling. I get to give little kids candy and play chase and make stupid jokes and make them laugh. I get to take pictures of women that make them feel GOOD about themselves.
It was during a recent trip home that I saw a picture that my mom had framed in the house. It was her and my sister. When I was about the age my daughter is now (almost 10) I set up my first studio. It was my closet and my backdrops were my mom’s sheets. I convinced them to let me do their pictures. While I was (obviously =) no photographic prodigy, these pictures are proof that I have ended up right where I should be.
**A big shout out to my mom and my sister who, I’m sure, will be so glad to have these pictures shared!**
