In the fall of 2008, I was three years into an incredible job, teaching reading and writing to the world’s coolest 5th graders, while steadily working toward completing my Master’s Degree in Education.
While I loved teaching in my classroom, I found myself counting down the days until my highly anticipated Graduation Day.
Sitting through evening classes, I’d often search the internet, looking for classes that I would rather be taking. Painting, photography, basket-weaving, jewelry making, anything artsy. I was convinced that I needed an additional outlet to feed my creative soul.
This is when I happened upon the School of Visual Arts’ Summer Residency Program for digital photography in New York City. The program seemed a perfect fit, other than one small detail. I read that I needed to submit a portfolio of my work to apply for the Residency, and I had no idea how to take pictures! I determined that I would learn, and learn quickly.
Fast forward through a Family and Friends photography course at UCSD, lots and lots of blurry pictures, learning by trial and error, the birth of my “portfolio,” and a Residency acceptance letter.
I participated in SVA’s Residency during one of the best summers of my life and upon returning home, I knew that I wanted photography to be more than just a hobby. I had discovered a new passion and felt confident that the Lord was giving me a green light to pursue it.
After lots of encouragement and support from my sweet family and friends, Lindsey Carlyle Photography was born.
I can honestly say that I wake up every morning feeling blessed that I get to do what I love. Two things that I love actually: job-sharing my 5th grade teaching position, and documenting some of life’s beautiful moments with my camera.
Lindsey Carlyle Eastman is proud to be an award-winning member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers.