It’ OLD NEWS: Saying Goodbye to the Past

First one was tough but it got easier

I loved that job - and that state!

Here was the beginning of my end.

Remember the days when photos ran THIS BIG!!?

Last month, we spent a wonderful weekend in a cabin at Pine Mountain. I chose that time to say goodbye to a significant part of my life… so I decided to burn a box full of my old newspaper clips in the fireplace. I thought it was important to mark the end of an era and to celebrate the beginning of a new one. This wasn’t easy or joyful for me. But I felt that I needed it. I did this only one other time in my life — after a bad break-up, I burned my ex-boyfriend’s love letters.

For the past 22 years, I worked as a newspaper photographer. I’ve walked the halls of a newsroom from East to West and in-between since before I graduated from college. It was the only life I knew. I was proud and I was dedicated. I was in love.

Then, one day last May, we broke up. I should have seen it coming. The signs were there… falling circulation, furlough days, lack of funds (no pay raises, fewer traveling assignments, no new gear). It really broke my heart. How could I love like that again? I felt lost, confused, insecure. Why me? And worse of all, WHO AM I now?

More than 6 months later, these are questions and feelings that still come up. Thankfully, less frequently. And as in most things, the pain continues to ease with time.

I have started to move on. Brett and I have worked very hard to start our new businesses, Infinite Media Works and Good phoDOGraphy. And I’m getting comfortable – maybe a little TOO comfortable – with the freedom. I can see why they call this “funemployment”! I’m learning a lot about starting a small business and I’m learning a lot about myself… So, Who am I? I am a proud, dedicated, and in-love photographer. I always was. And always will be.

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