My Love for Education

If I could go to school forever I would. 

I was an agenda girly. Anyone else? 

I’ve evolved into a bullet journal WO-man with the stickers and washi tape and everything. 

My sweetest memories of childhood are getting new school supplies every year. Just that fresh box of pencils and maybe some un-smashed crayons and a pencil case made memories I still hold on to. {just so we are clear, my anti-consumerist heart cringes a little at this but it ‘tis what it ‘tis}

But my love of school was not over when I graduated K-12. Or even after I walked across a stage and got a BFA.

I injected that love of education straight into my veins and have it all the time in a couple of different areas of my life. Because I love it and because I want to share it with others. 

Teaching Photographers

I teach at the Atlanta School of Photography. I get to bring one of the things I love the most in the world to people. What better job could I possibly ask for? 

In 2023 our fearless leader, Sara Keith, reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in joining the pantheon of instructors that she has collected. Of course I wanted in. However, that week she reached out was also the very same week I gave birth to my son. So, yeah, I needed a little time to get back on my feet. 

But I will always think so fondly of that week personally and professionally as a week of new beginnings. I love being a mom and my son teaches me a LOT. And it wasn’t always, nor will it always, be pretty. I’ve talked openly about it before on the Baby, Bump, and Business podcast so check that out if you want the REAL tea. 

Thanks to ASoP and Sara, I’ve been able to meet a huge new group of photographers that lift me up and hold me to a higher standard. I was able to go in on a location with the school so if you come to the studio, you will know that we share a space in Sandy Springs! I love working all day in the studio and just stepping into the next room to teach the next group of students anything they want to know about photography. 

Teaching them helps me solidify my knowledge and learn new things too. 

I always thought it was cheesy when teachers said, “My students teach me more than I teach them.” But it’s true. 

Teaching Actors

I also adore going to colleges and universities to talk about headshots. I have a degree in performing arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design and was a marginally successful actor for many years. There is a LOT of summarizing there but for the sake of time I’ll skip the drama that all of that entailed. 

I started doing headshots in 2013 because I thought I could do a better job then some of the ones I was seeing and here we are! With a business and everything. I needed the money as a working actor and this kept me from waiting tables. 

When I go to universities and talk with acting students, I can give them both sides of my experience and give them headshots that will launch them into professional careers. 

I know what it is like to walk into an audition room. I know what the theatres in Atlanta and agents are looking for. I know what made me feel confident when marketing myself and can make sure I share that with them to make their way a little easier if I can. 

Teaching myself

And now, even during my photography career, being an educator, a mom, and an avid reader (find me on fable!) I continue learning. 

No, I can’t afford grad school but as a member of Professional Photographers of America I have gone through the certification process which is why I’m insufferable and you see CPP after my name freaking everywhere. It stands for Certified Professional Photographer btw so I’m FANCY. 

“What do you get with that?” A piece of paper that says I basically know what I’m doing when I have a camera in my hands? Bragging rights? WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?! I passed a six tests and a technical exam WHILE running a business, a house, and teaching. That isn’t something to look down on but something I’m ultra proud of accomplishing. 

I am excited to submit for merits on their platform as I work toward other accolades. Not because I am ultra interested in the medals (but I certainly am interested in the medals) but because I want to keep getting better. I want to keep talking about photos and learning new skills to make the stuff I see in my head into something I can share with others. 

I NEVER thought I would be a professional photographer. But because I keep learning and growing thanks to the help of others, I am able to. 

And not just in photography. I am an avid reader. I read a little bit of everything. If I need to disassociate I will read fantasy/romance (or both {insert winky chili pepper here}). If I want to learn more about pretty much anything, I pick up a book. Essentialism, race relations, political jockeying, productivity, anything! I turn to books first.

Reading makes you smarter. Taking classes in things that interest you makes you smarter. Those things also give you more empathy. They connect you to a community so you feel less alone in this world that thrives on your isolation. 

Stick it to the man and read a book. Go to a free event at your library or local photography school ;) . Book the conference tickets. You will be so glad you did.

written by

Casey Gardner Ford for Breathe Images