Not My First Rodeo

By: Jessica Dillon Mallory

Our time here in the Digital Photography program at Lambton College has almost come to

an end. But it's only March you say? Well trust me, the next few weeks are going to be

gone before we know it. The journey has been absolutely unforgettable thus far and I have

been fortunate enough to have many unforgettable experience throughout my life to

compare.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Jessica, and I am an addict... to learning that is. I like

to consider myself a professional student, but the pay hasn't been the greatest. As you may

guess, this is not my first time enrolled in a college program; my first time at Lambton

College, yes. My education history is one to be awed. I am pretty sure I could have almost

been a doctor twice over by now, but where would the fun in that be? I'm sure my parents

would have loved to have had a doctor in the family. Don't they all dream of that? My

problem is making up my mind. You know deciding what it is I want to be when I grow up.

I always believed I was going to be living my ultimate dream, sailing the south, scuba diving

and exploring tropical islands all while being paid to do so. I know, how great would that

have been! Well... things happen and you adapt. You grow and continue on. I love my life

and family and wouldn't change it for anything. At almost 32 years of age, a loving husband

and an amazing 10 year old daughter later, I believe I may have finally found my calling.

I always enjoyed photography growing up and used a camera to document my adventures.

Unfortunately it was always a hit or miss with my photos. Sometimes I got lucky and had

something I could be proud of. Most of the time they were a complete fail. This program

has really reintroduced me to my love of photography and allowed me to hone my skills

and build on them. Now I can consistently produce a product that I am proud of. It is quite

the greatest feeling. The staff are like nothing that I have ever experienced before. I have

never met a more caring and supporting staff. They are your biggest fans and want to see

nothing more than you succeed. It is that support that really drives you to do your best,

take chances and get out of your comfort zone to try new things and push the limits of your

creativity.

The Digital Photography Program at Lambton College, not only builds your photography

skills, but also provides you with a well rounded education to help you succeed in the

business of photography. Just taking a pretty picture will not make you successful in an

industry that is cut throat. I'm not saying this to scare you, but it is reality and you have to

understand this and be willing to do great things. What will make you stand out against the

person next to you? Our instructors help you figure out who you want to be in the

photography game and where you want to go. They know what it is like in the industry

since they are still working it. Just another reason I have loved my time here. You really

get a hands on experience of what it is like to work as a professional photographer. You

have the ability to explore the different niches in the photography world and discover what

you enjoy the most. The space and equipment you have access to is simply amazing in

assisting you in fulfilling your goals. I can honestly say when this semester is finished, I will

be confident in who I am and what I will be doing with my own photography career.

Over the past year and a half, I have met a group of people that I know I can count on if I

need them. We have really grown into more of a family than just classmates. It is just so

much more than that. Another adventure added to the books. So now I leave you with my

most favourite quote:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do

than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

-Mark Twain

A selection of images by Jessica Dillon Mallory: