2017 Spring Semester Smokebomb Photo shoot
For those of you new to this, my name is Gabby Smarr. I don't like explaining who I am, so I'll make this short and sweet. I'm a photographer from small town America relocated in Philadelphia, PA and destined for the west coast (one day). I work with a wedding company in Philadelphia and I feel so lucky to have my boss as a mentor, friend, kick ass role model. I don't know if I'll shoot weddings forever, but I enjoy it now. They're happy, they're fun, they're pretty, and they're full of people in love-all of the guests, not just the couple. I was also an art teacher. Was.
June 24, 2017 I quit my art teaching job of 2 years and decided it's time to build the life I want to live instead of constantly following the flow that I've carved for so long based on safe choices and the most accessible opportunities. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the experiences I've had this far in my life and my art babes will stay with me wherever I go, but the daily schedules and grading and occasional stagnancy of the day to day has taken it's toll on me. I often find myself dreaming of the what ifs and the I shoulds. So I did.
The best thing an educator of children can do is lead by example. I tried to teach them a love for art and adventure and give them a thirst for knowledge and unknown in my two years there. I tried my hardest to leave teaching with my kids knowing that it wasn't them I was leaving, but a job that I felt wasn't the best fit at this time in my life. I wanted to make it clear to them that you don't have to follow the path that is most common or familiar to you. Not everyone is meant to be a professional athlete, a doctor, lawyer, or rapper. But all of those people are surrounded by unbelievably talented teams that make those individuals what they are. An athlete needs a shoe - designed well and that looks good. Every rapper needs a record label or an album design or a venue to perform at. I want them to know that they can explore life and adapt and change and change again. This is the example I'm trying to set. This is the leap of faith and determination into the unknown that I want them to see explored. They don't need to know right away. Some people never know. The only thing we can do is enjoy the ride and open ourselves to all the universe has to offer. Because really, life is coming for you whether you're ready or not. So now it's my turn to meet my life head on break some ground on the foundation of whatever it is I'm about to build
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