So, something quite amazing happened a month ago or so. 
Before I tell, I'll dig into two questions that I get every once in a while

- "How did you get into photography?" 
- "Are you a photographer?" .

How did you get into photography? could be followed up by a long answer, but for this post I'll limit myself to three aspects of it: My grandmother and mother have always been interested in photography but never went for it and they've somehow passed along the interest. I've always been taking a lot of vacation photos. But the real transition from it being a hobby towards becoming something serious, started in the realm of my entrance on Instagram, and eventually meeting a few key persons that has inspired, helped and pushed me to get serious about it. This leads me to the answer of the second question.

.. in the realm of of my entrance on Instagram.

Are you a photographer? is what I'll focus on in this post. In relation to photography I've never attended an art school to learn how to photograph. Instead my photography schoolin' has been through masterclasses and 1-on-1 time with amazing photographers, where they have told me what they thought was important for me to understand in terms of photography. They have shared everything from settings on the camera in specific situations, work flow in editing programs or how to approach a subject you want to photograph. For me it has been the best way to evolve, because I was given tools and advices when I needed help, but I have had 100p space to feel free with it as well. I've gotten the chance to put myself into the artwork; my feelings, my take and my intuition, and not just focus on getting all the technical stuff right to get a technical good photo. I think this has been defining my way of approaching photography.

So getting back to actually answering the question, yes I am a photographer.
It isn't a protected title which means that you're free to call yourself a photographer without a having undertaken a degree. But It's not until recently that I started replying with confidence "yes I am photographer" when people asked me. It's been a steady process. A process for me which is still full of respect for the persons I've learned from and with a recognition that i'm not half as good as them - I still have reflections like how can I call myself what they are? But with paychecks coming in because of photojobs I do and people paying their respect to my work, I reached the point where it feels alright to say without having to taste every word when replying "yes I am". I'm still perfectly aware that there are still many years of learning in front of me and I can't wait. 

.. my photography schoolin' has been through masterclasses
and 1-on-1 time

.. Full of respect for the persons I've learned from

So that amazing thing that happened. Knowing where I can improve I started researching on how I could possibly expand the collection of photographers I've been learning from. This time I knew I wanted to add a fellow woman. And faster than a motherfucker I found out it had to be Kia Hartelius due to her professionalism, and the crooked and quirky feeling to her photography. Luckily she thought it was a good idea that we joined forces and that means I'm now her assistant on various photogigs. It has already been too cool. This is the latest step in my process of wearing the title tag "photographer" with confidence.

Last week we went to Aarhus for a couple of days to shoot a campaign. Since the content is exclusive I just putted together some behind the scenes iPhone flicks from the days over there. Besides sharing my happiness, I also just wanted to write for the 60th times that things you wish for will happen if you approach them with kindness, passion, boldness and good intentions. Don't be afraid of saying you want to learn, it's not the same as devaluating yourself or your skills, it's straight up imposing. So seriously go dream big and trace down the path towards those dreams - you'll get there or end up an even better place. Yes lawd!   

Grown woman. 10 years ago I remember imagining what my life in my mid-twenties would be like. Around that time I met a young lady at the age of 21. She worked as a substitute teacher at my school and during a field-trip she told us that she was a mother of a little girl. Since you apparently have babies at this age and the fact that you talk about it without sounding weird about it, the idea of being a grown woman at the age of 21 automatically got stuck in my head. My feeling is that many of us as young had this idea of being grown up in our twenties.

Oh, the 21th. My 21th year passed 3 years ago.... That year I came back from 5 months of traveling the world, moved alone to Copenhagen, started uni-life, was labeled the social status: 'single', created an instagram account where I posted random selfies and pictures of good people. By the end of that year the best word to describe me was probably confused or uncomfortable. Just before I turned 22 I subconsciously began the selfish journey of getting to know myself and my values. But I was nowhere near of having the feeling of being that grown up I had imagined years earlier.

Big 25. The past 3 years has been defining my current ways. At the age of 25 my own mother had her first child, my dear big brotha. A since-forever-friend just told me she's pregnant and the happiness in me is bigger than big. Despite my case being different and the fact that I wear sneakers and sweatshirts, over heels and suits anytime in my daily life. I actually feel like I've reached a point in life where I have the feeling of being 'a grown up'. It feels good but also complicated and I understand my parents transient frowns on their faces. What makes them cool is that they know how to solve what causes the frowns which makes them grown-grown in my opinion. I'm not as quick of getting to that point when I'm concerned about something. I guess that skill comes as a natural result of evolution.

Looking upon it in this way this 25-number of mine symbolizes yet another year of personal growth and hopefully consciousness of what matters in life - then the process of aging actually brings me a lot of peace.

25 is already lit.

BTW. Welcome in here

- Check out the about + contact section if you want to know the intention behind this digital space.
This word + photo journal section is a creative outlet where you can expect to see mostly photo series, posts related to work or educational subjects, and rather personal sharing.

Alona Vibe