A Cowgirl Chasin' a Desire

The story behind Sammy June Photography

There was a time in my life that I didn’t feel confident in anything I did. I needed to constantly be surrounded by friends. I couldn’t do anything I wanted to without having someone I know sign up for the event with me. I wouldn’t raise my hand for opportunities. I just couldn’t find my groove even though I knew I operated differently than the people around me.

Fast forward through some less than ideal scenarios and an urge to pick up my DSLR that had been mostly collecting dust for the previous 9 to 10 years. I wanted to give it one last whirl to see if I could in fact find any joy or success with a camera in my hands. 

My dear friend Lynn offered to model for me. I packed up my gear, snagged some sunflowers at the nearest grocery store, and met her with her husband and horses in their backyard. I never looked back after that point. I found the missing piece that ended up being soooo much more than just a creative outlet.

Seeing the result of some of those images lit a fire in me that I didn’t realize I was missing. I found a talent I never imagined having. I dreamt of being a successful photographer for many years but truly never thought I was capable. It was for ‘other people.’ But boy was I wrong. 

The definition of success is different for everyone.

Being able to produce images that will be treasured for a lifetime is success to me.

Using the income to pay my bills is success to me.

Creating new working and personal relationships by connecting in my community is success to me. 

Creating Sammy June Photography has done so much for me.

It’s given me a voice. To express and share my insight on life events or feelings. 

It’s given me confidence. To trust myself and allow myself to admit I have a skill set of some sort. 

It’s given me freedom. To run a business in a way that suits ME. Not cater to someone else’s dream.

Now don’t let me fool you. Running a business and being vulnerable on social media isn’t always glitz and glam. It’s HARD. Comparison hangovers are the literal worst. Seeing others succeed while you’re struggling is intimidating. Learning to change my perspective is a skill that has been incredibly valuable in my business and throughout life. So many skills I’ve learned for my business spill into many other areas of life. 

I’m thankful for every challenge and hardship because it has proven to make me stronger. (Just wait a while to ask me about it haha)

If you’re still here, still following, still rooting for me.. thank you. With all my spirit. This has been the most amazing adventure of my life and I am just so excited for it to continue to grow. 

Your fave western photog,

-SJ