Pre-pandemic I was a 49 year-old mother of 8 year-old twins, making Costco runs and soccer drop offs in glorious mini-van style. As a full-time, professional self-employed wedding photographer of 20 years, I was blessed to do something creative for a living and provide for my family.
Then the LONGEST MARCH BREAK EVER started. Covid19 found its way to Nova Scotia, and I watched my 2020 wedding season income evaporate in slow-motion. In the early weeks, I baked and faked it for the kids, crying out in the van some nights where they couldn’t hear.
One day my girl came to the home school kitchen table dressed in full pink Ninja garb after hearing Classified’s “Inner Ninja” on the radio. Talk about a sign.
I’ve built my life and my career by thinking on my feet and reacting strategically under pressure: by seeing the big picture and considering the impact of what I say and how I say it to my clients. Guiding conversations on contracts, managing budgets, and scheduling options while considering the impact of my recommendations is essential in all communication during these unprecedented times. Increasingly important – maintaining an authentic social media presence and voice that resonates with my diverse audiences has become both an invaluable skill and a natural talent.
My “pivot” Pandemic ah-ha moment has been that taking pretty pictures is a small part of what I do. As an experienced wedding photographer I am an effective communicator, a manager of optics and expectations, a professional cat-herder, hand-holder and fire-putter-outer. My Inner Ninja and I are excited to take on Public Relations as a new career.
Kate Hayter, NSCC Public Relations advanced diploma essay submission