EP 1: summer school is in session
I'm Summer Grace, and I'd like to share my journey with you since the hope is that you’re going to be following along with me and this podcast forever now! I'm a photographer and educator, currently based near Seattle, Washington, but possibly making a move to LA soon. My path to photography and education wasn't a straightforward one.
Originally from a small town near Atlanta, Georgia, I had ambitions of being a pole vaulter and becoming a physical therapist. But life had other plans for me. An injury during high school changed everything. While I loved pole vaulting, it was no longer an option, and my dreams of a sports scholarship faded.
I started college at just 17, not really knowing what I wanted to do. I ended up attending a small private college in Florida, where you had to work but didn't get paid for it – an unusual arrangement, to say the least. My initial hope was to secure one of the cooler jobs like acting or singing, but I didn't get accepted. Instead, I found myself in the photography and media department.
Despite the unique work situation, there was a silver lining. I had access to all kinds of cameras and equipment, far beyond what I'd ever used before with my Canon T2i Rebel. While the experience at this college wasn't perfect, it allowed me to explore my passion for photography more deeply.
My enthusiasm for business waned when I encountered Accounting 2. I quickly realized that as an artist, accounting wasn't my forte. Fortunately, the university offered a unique degree called art marketing, combining art and marketing courses. It was the perfect blend of practicality and creativity, and I decided to pursue it.
To gain more experience, I took an internship in Oregon, helping someone launch their media efforts on platforms like Facebook and websites. This took me to Oregon for a summer, where my journey continued to evolve.
Now, let me share how my journey unfolded further from that point. I told myself I was only going to Oregon for the summer. But once I arrived, I felt an inexplicable urge to stay. So, I did.
During this time, I stumbled upon a job at Dutch Bros, a well-known coffee stand in the Pacific Northwest. While working there, I got offered a real job in media after about three months. So, at the age of 19, I was diving headfirst into the world of media, handling photography, video, social media, and websites.
With little business experience or bookings, I decided to take a leap of faith. I quit my job to become an elopement photographer. It was a daring move, but I believed in the potential. And here I am today, years later, living happily with my fiancé, Jake, and our dog. We're in the midst of wedding planning, and by the time you hear this, we may already be married. Jake, a musician, has become an integral part of my photography business, helping with emails, contracts, and more.
Beyond my love for business, I'm passionate about the outdoors, especially water. There's something about being near the ocean that brings me peace. Living near the water for the past three years has been a dream come true, and even if we move to LA, I'll ensure we're still close to the coastline.
I also have a fondness for skateboarding and recently ventured into surfskating, a thrilling experience that mimics the sensation of surfing on land. My dog is a big part of my life, and I adore spending time with him. As for hiking, well, my relationship with it has evolved due to asthma, but I still appreciate the beauty of nature.
My Goal for The Summer School
Now, let's talk about the goals of this podcast. While I'm currently a wedding photographer, I don't want this podcast to be limited to photography. I envision it as a platform where we can invite guests from various fields—artists, business owners, freelancers, and more. We'll dive into discussions about their journeys, work-life balance, and the unique insights they can offer.
So, if you have someone in mind you'd love to hear as a guest or if you're interested in a specific topic, please don't hesitate let us know!
Bye, everyone, and remember to hit that subscribe button on whatever platform you listen to podcasts the most as well as subscribe to my email list above so you never miss an episode!
