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My Passion *My Life *My Photography
"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you LOVE and BELIEVE in, and it will come naturally".
* MY PASSION
This quote had significant meaning for me when I decided to start a part time photography business in 2011. It was to be an on-the-side venture along side my other job. More of a hobby really. A more accurate description would be passion. I LOVE photography! Whether it's taking the photos or editing them...it's my unequivocal passion. I believe each of us has a God-given talent. Many people have told me photography is my talent.
HI! I'm Connie Wilson...owner and photographer of Ayana3 Photography. Let me begin by explaining the 'name' and why I chose it for my photography business. First I wanted something different and unique, & I didn't want to use my own name. From the first time I learned of the name Ayana (pronounced eye-on-na), I instantly loved it. It's a native-american name that means 'blessed'. I have a deep connection with native american history and culture. Maybe because some of my roots include Choctaw, Cherokee, & Seminole. So I immediately knew this was the name I wanted for my business name. Another photographer already had the same name...so I compromised and added the number 3...which is for my 3 children. So there you have it. : )
*MY LIFE
I'm a California native...born and raised, but have called Chattanooga, TN my home for the last thirty years. I'm a city girl but I love the country. Considering my roots are from the south, Chattanooga is a perfect fit for me. I love living in this beautiful and scenic southern city that I consider to have it all. I've been married to my husband John for twenty six (looooong ; ) years now. We have been blessed with three beautiful children...Christopher, Sabrina, & Alyssa, and four precious grandchildren...all girls! Kayla (10), Chloe (6), Caitlin (5), & Aubrey (4). One of my greatest joys is photographing all of them. They are my greatest blessings and inspiration. When I'm not taking photographs, I enjoy riding my bike, scrapbooking, and spending time with my family including my english bulldog Louie.
My career path has traveled many roads. I studied children's literature, early childhood development, cake decorating, floral design, among many other things; and then...I discovered my youngest daughter was a gymnast. So most of my time was pretty much occupied for thirteen years traveling all over the country with her. My two older children were also very involved in clogging and dance, soccer, and marching band. So while I had every desire to be a career 'woman'...instead I became a career 'mom'. Or should I say 'gym mom', 'soccer mom', & 'dance mom'. During the last three years of my daughter's gymnastics career, I went back to school and completed an Associates degree in Management/Supervisory development. I then took an assistant management position. Wasn't for me. I took several administrative positions. Wasn't for me. During this time I was redeveloping (pun intended) my love for photography. The more I was disheartened by numerous jobs I felt were steering me in the wrong direction, photography seemed like the rightful and obvious choice....
*MY PHOTOGRAPHY
During my first year of high school I took a photography class. The first photo I developed in a dark room was from a cardboard pinhole camera that I made during the class. It fascinated me that I actually produced a real photo from a little cardboard box...that I made myself. From there I was hooked. One of the first real cameras I used was an old 110 with a disposable flash that belonged to my father. I vividly remember him taking a lot of pictures with it during my childhood. I like to believe I got my love of photography from him. He was a great outdoorsman. Most weekends we were away on camping trips all over southern California. I remember my dad letting me use the camera to take his picture walking towards me next to a river. He was holding a sock (yes..a sock) in his hand, and he held it behind his back so it wouldn't be in the shot. After I took his picture, he gave me a great piece of advice. He said, "Connie, you don't need to take the picture of me when I'm holding a sock in my hand". As funny as that may seem, this memory was my first lesson in photography. Always exclude distractions from the subject in a photograph.
I believe the way to truly master the art of photography is by simply shooting photos...a lot! One of the many things I learned during photography classes at Chattanooga State. I am constantly learning and striving to continue in that direction. I have done enough to understand the complexity of photography...but also the sheer beauty of it. The beauty of capturing life in a photographic image..from a moment of time that is kept for a lifetime. This is where I am most content...when I can create this moment in a photograph for someone else. My heart led me in a direction dear to my heart in 2012. I got involved with the Make A Wish Foundation back in 2000 as a 'wish granter' volunteer. Now I have been given the privilege to continue giving to these magnificent children and their families by sharing my gift of photography with them thru the Make-A-Wish Foundation East Tennessee Chapter. My goal is to capture your special 'life' moments...one image at a time...and make them the best I possibly can through my photographic imagery. For those of you I have already had the pleasure of doing this for...I thank you. For those of you who read this and want to entrust me to capture your life moments...thank you in advance and know the pleasure will be all mine. I feel completely blessed to have the opportunity to do something in my life that is so true to my heart...photography.
___________________________________________________________________
*Packages are affordable and total price includes sitting fee, CD, and photo package.
*Families ~ Children ~ Maternity ~ Couples, etc..
*Special Events ~ Reunions ~ Birthdays, etc..
*** FINE ART AND TRADITIONAL CANVAS PRINTS
*** GIFT CERTIFICATES
*ALL PROOFS from your photo session will be uploaded here in your own personal
PASSWORD PROTECTED gallery for preview / selection.
*My brochure with all pertinant information such as pricing, etc..is available to view online in PDF format. You may request one by sending me an email. If you'd like to have one mailed to you...be sure to include your name & mailing address. I look forward to hearing from you.
ayana3photography@att.net
____________________________________________________________
*Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ayana3photography
*On Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ayana3photography
"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you LOVE and BELIEVE in, and it will come naturally".
* MY PASSION
This quote had significant meaning for me when I decided to start a part time photography business in 2011. It was to be an on-the-side venture along side my other job. More of a hobby really. A more accurate description would be passion. I LOVE photography! Whether it's taking the photos or editing them...it's my unequivocal passion. I believe each of us has a God-given talent. Many people have told me photography is my talent.
HI! I'm Connie Wilson...owner and photographer of Ayana3 Photography. Let me begin by explaining the 'name' and why I chose it for my photography business. First I wanted something different and unique, & I didn't want to use my own name. From the first time I learned of the name Ayana (pronounced eye-on-na), I instantly loved it. It's a native-american name that means 'blessed'. I have a deep connection with native american history and culture. Maybe because some of my roots include Choctaw, Cherokee, & Seminole. So I immediately knew this was the name I wanted for my business name. Another photographer already had the same name...so I compromised and added the number 3...which is for my 3 children. So there you have it. : )
*MY LIFE
I'm a California native...born and raised, but have called Chattanooga, TN my home for the last thirty years. I'm a city girl but I love the country. Considering my roots are from the south, Chattanooga is a perfect fit for me. I love living in this beautiful and scenic southern city that I consider to have it all. I've been married to my husband John for twenty six (looooong ; ) years now. We have been blessed with three beautiful children...Christopher, Sabrina, & Alyssa, and four precious grandchildren...all girls! Kayla (10), Chloe (6), Caitlin (5), & Aubrey (4). One of my greatest joys is photographing all of them. They are my greatest blessings and inspiration. When I'm not taking photographs, I enjoy riding my bike, scrapbooking, and spending time with my family including my english bulldog Louie.
My career path has traveled many roads. I studied children's literature, early childhood development, cake decorating, floral design, among many other things; and then...I discovered my youngest daughter was a gymnast. So most of my time was pretty much occupied for thirteen years traveling all over the country with her. My two older children were also very involved in clogging and dance, soccer, and marching band. So while I had every desire to be a career 'woman'...instead I became a career 'mom'. Or should I say 'gym mom', 'soccer mom', & 'dance mom'. During the last three years of my daughter's gymnastics career, I went back to school and completed an Associates degree in Management/Supervisory development. I then took an assistant management position. Wasn't for me. I took several administrative positions. Wasn't for me. During this time I was redeveloping (pun intended) my love for photography. The more I was disheartened by numerous jobs I felt were steering me in the wrong direction, photography seemed like the rightful and obvious choice....
*MY PHOTOGRAPHY
During my first year of high school I took a photography class. The first photo I developed in a dark room was from a cardboard pinhole camera that I made during the class. It fascinated me that I actually produced a real photo from a little cardboard box...that I made myself. From there I was hooked. One of the first real cameras I used was an old 110 with a disposable flash that belonged to my father. I vividly remember him taking a lot of pictures with it during my childhood. I like to believe I got my love of photography from him. He was a great outdoorsman. Most weekends we were away on camping trips all over southern California. I remember my dad letting me use the camera to take his picture walking towards me next to a river. He was holding a sock (yes..a sock) in his hand, and he held it behind his back so it wouldn't be in the shot. After I took his picture, he gave me a great piece of advice. He said, "Connie, you don't need to take the picture of me when I'm holding a sock in my hand". As funny as that may seem, this memory was my first lesson in photography. Always exclude distractions from the subject in a photograph.
I believe the way to truly master the art of photography is by simply shooting photos...a lot! One of the many things I learned during photography classes at Chattanooga State. I am constantly learning and striving to continue in that direction. I have done enough to understand the complexity of photography...but also the sheer beauty of it. The beauty of capturing life in a photographic image..from a moment of time that is kept for a lifetime. This is where I am most content...when I can create this moment in a photograph for someone else. My heart led me in a direction dear to my heart in 2012. I got involved with the Make A Wish Foundation back in 2000 as a 'wish granter' volunteer. Now I have been given the privilege to continue giving to these magnificent children and their families by sharing my gift of photography with them thru the Make-A-Wish Foundation East Tennessee Chapter. My goal is to capture your special 'life' moments...one image at a time...and make them the best I possibly can through my photographic imagery. For those of you I have already had the pleasure of doing this for...I thank you. For those of you who read this and want to entrust me to capture your life moments...thank you in advance and know the pleasure will be all mine. I feel completely blessed to have the opportunity to do something in my life that is so true to my heart...photography.
___________________________________________________________________
*Packages are affordable and total price includes sitting fee, CD, and photo package.
*Families ~ Children ~ Maternity ~ Couples, etc..
*Special Events ~ Reunions ~ Birthdays, etc..
*** FINE ART AND TRADITIONAL CANVAS PRINTS
*** GIFT CERTIFICATES
*ALL PROOFS from your photo session will be uploaded here in your own personal
PASSWORD PROTECTED gallery for preview / selection.
*My brochure with all pertinant information such as pricing, etc..is available to view online in PDF format. You may request one by sending me an email. If you'd like to have one mailed to you...be sure to include your name & mailing address. I look forward to hearing from you.
ayana3photography@att.net
____________________________________________________________
*Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ayana3photography
*On Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ayana3photography