Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramie Czyzewski.
Hi Ramie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Photography, as an activity, has been in my life since about 2008. It piqued my interest enough to tell my then-boyfriend (now husband) about it. A month later, he gifted me my first photography book: The Camera by Ansel Adams, for Christmas. Despite being “interested,” though, my heart wasn’t entirely in it as my 21-year-old self focused more on other aspects of my life, putting photography in the back corner. It remained there as I graduated college, commissioned into the Army, took a “civilian” job, and eventually became a mother. That was when “phase 2” of my photography journey happened, as I’m sure many can relate: taking photos of my children. My daughter was born in 2015, and that’s when I classified myself as a hobbyist. It’s been a slow burn ever since, only doing photos for special occasions like birthdays.
Finally, at the beginning of 2020, I felt ready to consider pursuing this as something more than just a hobby. I toyed with the idea of reaching out to a non-family member to see how I’d do, but as March came around, everything yet again came to a halt. As COVID-19 hit, every focus went to our family: my daughter’s school went virtual (and at the age of 5, I had to be readily available to assist), my son was only two (so that alone took a lot of my attention), and of course, photographing non-family members was out of the question.
While I did manage to do my first non-family member shoot around October 2020 (a friend’s maternity session!), things didn’t really begin until January 2021. I put out my first model call, which was extremely nerve-racking, and I had some people interested! I ended up doing three photo sessions and used these photos to launch my Instagram account at the end of February 2021.
It has now been about six months since I’ve professionally launched, and boy, what a roller coaster it has been! Going from excitement to self-doubt, from proud moments to thinking of quitting – this has really tested me as a person. Even though I’m still questioning my worth as an artist, which I believe can be a natural response when you make yourself vulnerable to the public world, I’m so proud of how far I have come in such a short time. The people I’ve met alone make this all worth it, and I’m happy I’ve been able to capture their stories.
So right now, I’m keeping on keeping on and continuing to build my little Drop of Golden Sun community. I’m excited to see what happens next!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has definitely not been the smoothest, but a lot of my struggles have been mental and 98% self-induced. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always been afraid of failure. I was the type of person who avoided trying new things because if I didn’t do them, then I couldn’t fail. I put so much pressure on myself that I have to logically tell myself that it will all be okay, even though emotionally I felt it wasn’t. I’ve struggled with mental illness when I was younger (around 19/20 years old) and even though it hasn’t been an issue since, I still find pieces of that mental state lingering around when going through this whole process.
One of the most frustrating things I’ve faced is managing my expectations with reality. As a beginner, I wanted the outcome of an expert. When I was still a hobbyist, I would have a vision in my head of how I wanted my photos to look, but my skillset at the time kept me from achieving it. I would shoot, edit, and become disappointed over and over again. I would take month-long breaks, come back at it, only to slam my laptop shut in frustration. While this still happens today (will it ever stop?!), I’m able to manage it a bit more.
As far as outside obstacles, COVID-19 of course was (is) a huge one. It delayed my professional pursuit by a whole year, and even now I know some people still aren’t comfortable with social interactions with members outside their family (i.e., don’t want to get photos done professionally) which is totally understandable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a natural light portrait photographer. I love shooting couples, maternity, families and finding the time to collaborate with local models to put together creative shoots!
Right now I’m most focused on continuing to build my following and marketing myself. In a sea of photographers, sometimes it’s hard to be seen, but I know there’s room for all of us. I’m also trying to build up my processes to bring a really amazing experience for my customers because I really believe that’s such a huge part of a great photography business!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am an introverted, socially awkward person! I’ve been a shy girl ever since I was little, and frankly, it just never went away. I’m also an Army veteran and commissioned as an Army Ordnance Officer in 2009. Honestly, it was my time in the Army that allows my introverted, socially awkward personality to not interfere as much when conducting my business. I’ve learned to really push myself outside my comfort zone and do business with courage and integrity. So far, all my clients have told me I have made them feel so comfortable in front of the camera and appreciate my efforts of engaging and connecting with them throughout our sessions.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.dropofgoldensun.photo
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dropofgoldensun
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dropofgoldensun.photo
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/drop-of-golden-sun-photography-apex
Image Credits
(Maternity photo) Lesly Johanna G. (Model photo) Elle Cee (Couple photo) Connor and Miranda (Baby photo + Girl twirling) daughter. –> (The baby photo is of my daughter showcasing my very first “photo session” back in 2015 next to a current photo of her)
