Mariah Blankenship is not only an English teacher, but she also has started her own photography business and taken on the job of being a new mom.

Her love for photography started many years ago when she bought a hobby DSLR kit from Sam’s Club. She didn’t know much about cameras, so she just shot in Auto mode for the longest time. Over the years, she started reading and studying about it more.

“I wanted to start my own business, so I did some sessions on the side, saved up for nicer equipment, and continued to study, read, and watch YouTube videos nonstop,” said Blankenship.

The more she learned, the more passionate she became about photography.

“I discovered that photographs are poems in themselves. They tell the stories of people’s lives. They turn people and their emotions into great works of art. They drive out the happiness in people’s lives even amongst the frustration and chaos of getting ready and picking out clothes for sessions or making children behave for a shoot.”

“In the end, people see the beauty within their own lives. Photographers are ‘soul catchers’ like that. They capture the happiness within,” she said.

Within the last year, her business really took off. Every weekend, she is booked for a variety of sessions ranging from seniors to bridal shots.

“My favorite type of session to photograph changes daily. I have so many favorites. I mostly love a session that tells a story from start to finish–a photojournalistic approach to photography. Most recently, lifestyle newborn sessions that take place within people’s own homes have been my favorite. I get to capture raw and authentic moments using just natural light.”

Blankenship works out of her home and enjoys the comfort of it. She gives herself a deadline to edit her pictures and always makes sure she gets them done in that time frame or before then.

Currently, she is only working as a photographer part time, as teaching is still her main focus.

“I said I would never be a photographer full-time. Since the moment I held my son for the first time, I have done everything in my power to go full time in order to spend the most time with him as possible. I’m not there yet; however, I’m still dreaming.”

“I do hope to go full-time one day, but I’m trying not to rush myself. I love teaching. I love my students most of all. I’m not quite ready to give that up,” said Blankenship.

Besides teaching and photography, she is also loving the life of being a new mom. Her son, Jericho Lee, was born in August of the past year. He has already made many appearances behind her camera- of course.

So how does she juggle it all?

“Coca-Cola, snow days, and Jesus- the essentials. Although that sounds like a fabulous country song, it’s just true,” said Blankenship.

“Balancing being a new mom, photography, teaching, and a personal life is challenging. Bring on the caffeine, blizzards, and prayer! I’ll be needing more of all of those.”