It’s Been One Incredible Year

I can’t believe it’s already been a year since the opportunity of my dreams fell into my lap. With only a weekend between me and the end of my position with a PR firm, I sat in this meeting with JCC Chicago and tried not to let my gigantic grin give me away. As they handed me mood boards that were exactly the work I love to do, kids in their environment, I knew it was going to me a perfect match.

In my first week of shooting I was sent to their various early childhood centers with a specific list of needs and wants.  The preschools at the JCC are completely different depending on their location; nestled in very diverse Jewish communities from Lake Zurich to Lincoln Park.  It was my job to capture their essence, their textures, their energy, their relationship to Judaism, and the love and care that embraces the children from their outstanding staff.

After the first day of shooting I invested in a pair of gardening knee pads from Home Depot, quickly followed by a harness to allow me more comfort to wear two bodies and therefore two lenses at the same time.  I look like I’m going into battle, and the extra effort has certainly paid off. Work from this project has been featured on billboards over the Edens Expressway, above Broadway in Lincoln Park and on CTA busses all over Chicago.  Shortly after I completed this assignment I was offered a contract for the entire year with a monthly retainer. Being the household breadwinner, that took a lot of the stress off of my first year back as a freelancer.

Not only have I experienced the ultimate joy of doing what I love full time, I’ve worked with some absolutely wonderful people who I will cherish forever.  I have a whole new body of work, an incredible network of professionals, and it’s only deepened my connection to my Jewish community.  Can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year!