October 2017 Issue
Picture this: New Years Day 2012, I’m in a downward dog trying to reach nirvana. Why? Because after thirteen years as full-time Photo Director at Conde Nast BRIDES, I was heading out on my own. (Cue mild panic attack.)
I had recently dusted off my camera (and the Fine Arts Photography Degree) wanting to get back behind the lens to capture wedding memories that would become treasured heirlooms instead of directing glossy editorials quickly tossed in a recycling bin. But, I was still far from reaching Zen.
Listen, it was really easy to pass judgment behind my desk inside a corporate tower, it wasn’t until I was on the other side (being a solo-entrepreneur) that I truly understood how hard and nerve wracking it was! There was no giant supply closet, tech support or assistant to do my expenses…I had to handle it all myself…WTF?! I felt, first hand, the insecurities in curating and marketing your own work in a crowded marketplace. I got it, belieeeve me I got it!
It wasn’t until standing in warrior two pose that I realized I had this unique perspective and skill set as an Editor; one I should embrace and leverage as a side hustle to my ever-growing list of hustles. I excelled at cultivating creatives, providing honest feedback in a “spoonful-of-sugar” way and finding visual diamonds in the rough. I had a moment of enlightenment...Editor’s Edge was born! (Bob Fosse jazz hands)
Fast forward to me shooting weddings, holding Interim Photo Director positions at various magazines and consulting as Editor’s Edge...I had become a one-man band! It was time to take my own advice and focus on what provided the most satisfaction - consulting, educating, directing creative teams and sharing my experience as a visual editor to elevate emerging brands.
And now here we are, my first Letter from the Editor, ready to tell it like it is. Here to empower small business owners on the EDGE of something big, on the EDGE of taking it to the next level and on the EDGE of building a better brand...cue Diana Ross because “I’m coming out!”
