Over the past six months or so, I’ve had clients and readers asking me questions about “me”. It’s funny because I’ve never really thought of “me” as being all that interesting, but the more I chat with people the more I realize that I’m not very open about myself, my personal life and other than showing and explaining my images, I don’t really write much about my background or business either. I have people asking questions from “Where did you grow up?” to “Do you have any children?” to “How long have you been doing photography” and everything else in between. I don’t even know where to begin, but I’ve decided that this year I am going to ATTEMPT to satisfy the questions of my clients and readers, by sharing a little more of me with you. Now, where to begin????
Let me start by saying, that I do believe there is an explanation to my not sharing info about “me”. For eight years, I worked for a corporation as a Surveillance Supervisor, in a room, behind closed doors, away from the general public. While it was a fabulous job with regards to pay and status, it was personally very unfulfilling. Why? Because that’s just not me. From the time I was a small child, I was a social butterfly…interacting with anyone who would listen and befriending anyone I could. I’m a simple person and don’t require glitz and glam…just friendly conversation, while hanging out with a friendly face. However, while working in a surveillance department I also learned to become a person who held confidentiality and information in very high regard…revealing necessary information to only pertinent people. So, I became quite conscious of what I told people and who I told it to. Now in saying that, I have recently realized that my readers are now my “pertinent people” and it is you I should be sharing with. Afterall, this is my business…no one can fire me for sharing something I shouldn’t…lol.
As for my family, however, I do have to say that I hold their right to privacy in fairly high regards. I don’t often mention their names or details regarding their lives. I do on occasion share some images of those I love, but usually keep it limited. My apologies for this of course, but I don’t want may children to grow up and resent me for broadcasting their entire lives. So, please understand. In saying that, for those of you asking about my family, here’s what I will tell you. As a child, I grew up in Clinton, ON with my mother and sister, Angela. As an adolescent, my mother remarried. She and my step-father had a baby girl together, Carla. Carla being such an amazing sister is in her first year of university and also happens to be my wedding assistant. 🙂 My father has another daughter and son, as well as a step-daughter. I met my husband over 13 years ago, fell in love and we have been happily married for almost 8 years now. Together we have two fabulous children…a 6-year-old daughter and a son who is 4. So…there’s my family in a nut shell…just a brief synopsis.
A bit more about me…. Well, I am a simple person…loving the simple things in life. I try very hard to “stop to smell the roses” and avoid taking people, time and belongings for granted. I work hard and often regret not spending more time with my family and friends…especially my children. I worry that they are growing up too fast and I’m going the miss something. I am a type-A personality…I NEED organization in my life. I try everyday not to sweat the small stuff, but it’s really hard. I like to be prepared for what my future may hold and often I wish that I could just enjoy one day at a time and not worry about tomorrow. I’m a giving and loyal person. I try to volunteer my time to organizations that my children are involved in, as well as those organizations which are relevant to things that have touched my life…such as the Smiling Eyes project and Giving is Awesome. I have a soft heart and a strong mind. Being a Taurus…I think I can be a little bull-headed, but sometimes that’s good. I’m stubborn and when I set out to do something I get it done. I love my family and thank God everyday for the wonderful life I have with them.
My career. I have enjoyed photography since I was 15-years-old. I’ve always loved shooting and even dabbled in the dark room from time to time. About 5 years ago, I started doing family photographs for family and friends…really just as a hobby. At the beginning of 2007, I officially started my business as “Darlene McCowan Photography”, as a secondary career. During this time, I completed a diploma in photography through correspondence and attended several workshops to better my photography skills. I shot my first wedding in November of 2007 in Aruba and I was hooked. At the end of 2008, I found myself struggling with a decision that had to be made. After booking 12 weddings for 2009, I JUMPED…head first from a stable, great-paying job into self-employment as a photographer…and I have never looked back. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what I’m doing. In the beginning of 2009, I also revamped my look and my name to “JAKAL Photography”…combining the names of my children to make JAKAL. And a year after having left my career for photography, I have 25 weddings booked for 2010 and am booking into 2011. 🙂
Well, as not to bore you with my first sharing, let me end there for now. But, seriously, if you have any questions…leave me a comment or drop me an email. I’d love to hear from you, as to what you want to know. And…I can’t publish a post without some images….so, below are two images…one of my very first wedding and one of a wedding from last summer.
For today and tomorrow…smile,
Darlene
This image is from my very first wedding…shot in Aruba for my brother-in-law and his wife.
This image is from last summer. 🙂
Jakal Photography 