The Full Story
At the University of Oregon, I thought photography would be on the back burner as I came undeclared and eventually ended up studying Journalism (advertising concentration) and English. But to my surprise, I found myself becoming immersed in the production side of Advertising (still taking photos), becoming photo editor of Align Magazine, doing photo assignments for journalism publications, and my second campus job was… photographing for UO's student government. My first campus job? Working at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art where I found myself spending embarrassingly amounts of time in front of art and photo exhibitions.
During my college experience, I photographed TOO many headshots to count, sorority cabinets, culture fairs, student gov meetings, advertising campaigns, journalism articles, art-directed editorial shoots, passion projects, and photo collaborations that turned into zines and even an immersive, photo/video experiential art installation.
Still, even after all of this, It wasn’t until the last month of my final spring term, when I decided to advertise myself as a grad photographer for my peers as an homage to my high school self, and I was able to book and shoot 20 fellow UO graduates in the span of 1.5 months all while juggling school, work, etc… when I realized,
Wow that was sappy, I can’t believe you’re still reading. But what are my photo dreams and pursuits now?
Well, as you know, I am honing in on a new challenge- wedding and elopement photography. As well as offering couples, and grad sessions.
I'm so excited about this journey because I’m sentimental and nostalgic and I LOVE love. Do you know how many dates, I’ve third wheeled on in middle school? Because my friends knew I would not only tolerate but enjoy myself and ease any awkward tension between their prepubescent love? Too many to even count. I love love to the point most of the theory I read is about it (hi bell hooks), and aside from a good indie A24 film, I love a good romcom; When Harry Met Sally, Crazy, Stupid, Love, and 10 Things I Hate About You to name a few.
I'm really really excited, also a little nervous (but mainly excited) to pursue this field. It just feels so right. So if you're still reading this, looking for a budget wedding photographer, and curious about taking a chance, click around!
All my best,
Samantha
Extra fun facts!
In my free time, I like to write, doodle abt spirals, journal, sometimes I backpack and climb, breathe, go on spotify deep dives, hang out with my friends, and talk to strangers wherever I go! I've also shaved my head just because I could, spent a summer farming in Greece, and I need to GPS everywhere because my sense of direction is.... dare I say, awful.
Some favorites in no particular order
Books- The Mysterious Benedict Society, All About Love, Women Who Run With the Wolves
Movies- 10 Things I Hate About You, La La Land, ChungKing Express
Things- apple juice, zines, lotion, my owala (such good design)
( more about me... because if you decide to hire me as your photographer, so I can take intimate photos and be let into your world... you should be able to know more about me ;)
I started taking photos my sophomore year high school when I was going through a hard time, and I desperately needed a creative outlet that would take me out of my head and into the present. This came in the form of a Nikon d3400. Yes, I am a proud Nikon girl! After my first photoshoot with a friend I had already set up a photography Instagram account and by the end of my junior year, I was already being called “photosbyjoh” by my friends. I ended up being fortunate enough to shoot a lot of my peers’ senior shoots class of 2020. I don't think I realized how this was a real business I was operating. I was just happy to not work a “real” summer job.
high school me receiving some sort of photography award superlative thing at the talent show! (s/0 to my friends for voting for me). it's in the shape of a star! which is perfect because i love stars. also go raiders (my hs mascot and explanation for this visual).
I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER. I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER? YES, I AM A LEGITIMATE PHOTOGRAPHER.This is not just some hobby I can retire. Because I’ve tried and look where that got me!
The thing is... I've always had a hard time taking photography seriously. Growing up, I always thought work and what I do for a living had to be painfully arduous and unenjoyable. This classically ties into the Asian American with immigrant parent experience where any interest in a creative or art field is most often lovingly redirected. My barrier with photography, and I'm sure a lot of creatives will relate, was that it has always been so easy, fun, and playful. Not serious at all, just a hobby to distract me from the horrors of life; in fact, I enjoy it so much it feels indulgent! Sure, everything comes with challenges but to me, those challenges of this craft and operating a business felt too good to be true.
This makes total sense when I pinpoint how nothing brings me more ease than when I am connecting with and photographing people or editing/manipulating photos. It's a practice that is both social and introspective. Invigorating and calming. It's human. Because you're capturing the human experience. Photography has given me a personal, creative, and social outlet where I can express myself as well as be more attuned and observant of others. To be able to photograph someone is a privilege and a deeply intimate act, that can be invasive when done without care, and I am always thankful for friends, models, and strangers who allow and trust me to explore this visual intimacy with them.
college me in front of autzen... where lots of grad photo sessions ended! sco' ducks