I still remember my first visit to the Clickin’ Moms website.

It was four years ago, just after I finished my very first DSLR photography course.

I had learned all about the exposure triangle, and I was intent on using my Nikon – in manual mode! – to take a photo of my boys for our Christmas card.

The only problem was, I couldn’t figure out how to get all three of them in focus AND get the blurry background I wanted.

As I searched through the tutorials, finding the exact one to help me, I couldn’t help but notice the gorgeous photographs that filled the Clickin’ Moms website or that each article was written by women who were practicing professional photographers – Click Pros.

I remember sitting cross-legged on my living room couch that evening, and thinking, I cannot imagine ever being on their level.

To be perfectly honest, the thought of that as a goal wasn’t on even my radar. It was just a fact.

I had no idea how deeply I would fall in love with photography over the next few years, or how hard I would work to learn to capture light, emotion, and a story in photographic form.

Earlier this month, I applied - and was accepted - as a Click Pro.

Admission is portfolio-based. A judging panel evaluates 150 images on both technical and artistic rubrics, and scores are returned two weeks after portfolio submission.

I cannot explain what an honor it is to be a part of this organization of highly skilled professional photographers and independent artists.

I have admired and learned from so many in this network, and it feels surreal to be a part of it now, myself.

Combining my love of teaching and my passion for photography is a dream come true. I am so excited to see where this journey takes me and how I continue to grow.

Many thanks to my clients, for trusting me with their memories, my lovely friend, Katie, for helping me choose my very best work for this opportunity, and my husband, for always believing in me.