Today we’d like to introduce you to Randall Lee.
Hi Randall, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up always dreaming about working with gadgets and new technology. My love for sci-fi movies and tv shows gave me the inspiration to learn as much as I can about computers and anything else that would develop into things that would make life easier in the future for everyone. I was always the computer guy who everyone would call to figure out how to install some programs or to set up a new entertainment system because that is what I naturally loved to do.
Around 2009 a friend of mine was in college for art studies and she had to take a photography class as an elective. She didn’t know anything about this new camera she needed for her class so she asked me to help her figure out how to work it. I helped her figure out how to work the camera but I also figured out how much I loved taking photographs as well. Needless to say, I helped her so much with her assignments I eventually was doing her work for her and that was my first introduction to photography.
I still pursued my passion for information technology through studies for my Bachelor’s in Business Administration majoring in Information Systems and that lead me to a couple of IT-related jobs after getting my degree. While working those jobs, photography was increasingly becoming, not just a hobby, but a way to meet some great people and connections along the way. So much so that after leaving one of my jobs I was presented with an opportunity to work full-time as a photographer with the help of a former client. Now I have been doing photography full-time for 7 years and I am enjoying the path and opportunities it has presented me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worth having will be a smooth road and my journey definitely came with some growing pains. The IT industry was very volatile and unpredictable at times. Despite being a top performer in many ways I was laid off several times due to the company downsizing or outsourcing jobs to other regions.
These events caused me to focus even more on developing my knowledge and skills in photography. I found that photography gave me a freeing sense of independence to create and capture moments that made people happy, which served as a coping mechanism for me as well as creating a way to network and explore other ways to find more stable employment for myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a full-time photographer that specializes in photojournalism, events, weddings, portraiture, sports, travel, real estate, and anything else photography related.
I am most known for and proud of my work as a photojournalist for the State of Arkansas. Few people in the country get the privilege and honor to work in the capacity that I serve and it’s a humbling experience to be able to have done so for over 7 years now.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Self-development and improvement make me happy and seeing others on a similar journey makes me happy as well. The state of this world has shown me that so many people are suffering from a lot of unhealthy habits, conditioning, and programming that causes many people to try to live up to unrealistic expectations or to seek happiness from things that only promote disappointment and frustration.
I believe the more we strive to learn and heal from our traumatic experiences and deprogram ourselves from unhealthy societal norms the more wholehearted we will become and the happier our lives will be with ourselves and with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.contemporaryimagingphotos.com
Image Credits
Donte Lowmack
