My Sister, the Hard Workin' Mama

While I was in Iowa, I had the opportunity to spend a few days out on the dairy farm of my sister and her husband. Because farming is so prominent in Iowa, I wanted to show the world the effort farmers put forth on a daily basis. I haven't finished editing through my take, however, I have put together some images that show the commitment of my sister to her husband. Jenna is a nurse, and when she has the chance she helps Austin out on the farm. Pregnant or not, that girl knows how to drive a tractor.

Once the rest of the farm essay photos have been edited and toned, I will post those as well.

All photos copyright - Julie Koehn.

Living Inside a Life

I don't do a lot of "studio" type photography, but I've averaged about three weddings a year in the last few years, giving me the opportunity for engagement photos. I've done some family shots as well, senior photos, and recently developed some pregnancy photos.

My sister, who was 31 weeks at the time of the shoot, wanted some photos to document this moment in time before she spends the rest of her life raising her little boy.

Here are some of the highlights:

Looking Forward

As many know, when my internship at the Cedar Rapids Gazette ended this past August, I up and moved down to Wilmington, North Carolina. It was time for a change of pace, a change in scenery, and a change in life.

Contrary to the current state of economy, I never thought it would be this difficult to find a job. When I started looking, I concentrated on photojournalism positions, then newspaper positions...and realized that there weren't exactly openings in the area that I had fled to.

I told someone once, however, that photojournalism doesn't define me as a person. Thus I began looking at other jobs where I might find experience working in the psychology field. Considering I obtained a degree in psychology in addition to the Journalism and Mass Communication degree, it made sense. But what I have come to find out, is that nearly all open positions require 3 - 5 years of experience, if not a PhD.

And so I remain positive on my career outlook, even though my photojournalism experience entails about three years of work, and I only have about a year of experience in the psychology field.

But where I lack in professional experience to validate the skills I've obtained through life, I excel in written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. And more important than that, I am a compassionate and motivated worker.

And so I continue with the job search. At this point, applying to any and all positions that I'm qualified for. I won't let the lack of positions bring me down though. I have faith that in time, I will find what it is I'm looking for...an occupation that allows me to express my compassion for other people - helping them to learn that each and every one of them holds an important place in this world, and no matter what they do, they are making a difference. And if it's a dream come true, I will do so through my talent as a photojournalist.