I will never forget when I got the notification Canon shared my photo. I can describe every little detail of that day, that’s how unreal it felt. When I took this photo, I didn’t think much of it. I was trying out new ideas because I just got an actual camera instead of relying solely on my iPhone. Canon lets its customers submit photos to be featured on their sites. I submitted my photos, but a huge part of me told myself that I wasn’t going to be selected to be featured since all the photos were more dramatic and looked like the creators spent hours perfecting the image. I was working 3rd shift at the time when I got the notification. It wasn’t until I got to my car that I paid it any attention to it. I thought it was some knockoff account that features people who use Canon cameras. Then I saw it wasn’t a knockoff account… it was Canon… like the actual Canon account. A kid in a small town with a little Canon PowerShot camera was selected to be featured on “Shot on Canon”. This inspired me to do more with photography and I asked myself, “If Canon can see something in me, what else can I create?”
COURTNEY PEPPERNELL
I was in a pretty dark part of my life when I started to read poetry. I love to read but I hadn’t gotten into poetry until I read some of Courtney Peppernell’s books. These books shed some light on my world. I loved the books so I wanted to show a little more appreciation towards the book besides posting it to my story on Instagram. I was new to photoshop and had to watch a lot of tutorials to create this photo. After I finally finished it, I began debating if it was even worth sharing. I eventually decided to share it and tag Courtney Peppernell. I didn’t think she would even notice it and if by some chance she did it would just be a like or a simple “Love it!” More days passed and to my surprise, Ms. Peppernell had not only liked my photo, but shared it on her page too!
My main inspiration for getting my creativity going is by listening to music. My music taste varies from pop, electronic, alternative, and even rock. I didn’t start to collect vinyls until 2016. My first vinyl was from my absolute favorite singer. I bought “Born to Die" by Lana Del Rey. After that I started my collection. I currently have more than 80 vinyls in my collection. When I took these photos I didn’t expect Victrola to notice me but to my surprise they did 3 times!
I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed with coffee more like in love with it. I use to live in Kendallville, IN for a short period. I would always go to 5 Lakes Coffee cause it was the only coffee shop they had. It’s a small country town so I made 5 Lakes my sanctuary when I was there. It’s kinda hard to take photos when you are in a small town so I had to push my creativity when I was looking for a photo to take. I was walking around the WindMill Museum when I took this photo. Yes, you read that right... a windmill museum... that’s how country this town is. I finally got the shot and started to edit. 5 Lakes liked it and wanted to repost it and obviously as the coffee addict… I mean the coffee lover that I am said yes! A couple of months later they reposted it again in the fall.
Forty Wayne is a small town. Many locals consider it a big city, but if I’m being honest with you I just see it as a small town. Typically when I think of a big city I just think of Chicago, Los Angeles, or even Nashville. Fort Wayne doesn’t give me any city vibes that I am looking for. As the years go on I am coming to peace with this city mainly because I know I will be here for a while if not make it my permanent home. Fort Wayne doesn’t have any skyscrapers or futuristic buildings that catch attention. When I took this photo I was desperate to make this city desirable. My boyfriend and I went downtown so I could get my frustration out. I took lots of photos, but I wasn’t satisfied with any of the photos. 4 months later I just decided to post this photo of the courthouse. This photo got a ton of looks! “Only In Indiana” asked if they could repost it, and the courthouse loved it and shared it to their story, “Visit Fort Wayne” asked if they could share it on their website, and “Welcome to Fort Wayne Indiana” shared it to their story. I was confused and excited that this photo took off. Fort Wayne is a small town, but deep down I truly believe that this town will become the city that it’s meant to be.
This one isn't a repost but more of a mention which was hilarious. As we all know that annoying song with the sharks. This photo was taken in Florida and well obviously I took advantage and decided to tag Bass Pro Shops and they were not having it at all
The following photos were reposted on smaller accounts which are typically accounts to help others to get recognized. Some of the photos were taken in Nashville, Toronto, Pinehurst, and Cleveland.
