Meet Chiquita Hawthorne | Owner & Photographer for Mid July Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chiquita Hawthorne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chiquita, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
A legacy is the sum of all you have done. It is your actions, your deeds, and your contributions to others. It’s how you are remembered by those who knew you best.

I want my legacy to serve as an inspiration to others. I hope to be remembered as someone who truly made a difference in the lives of many people. I desire to serve God with all of my whole heart, soul, and mind. I want people to see my life as an example of true transformation and to believe that God can do what he says he will do! I hope to be remembered as a kind, compassionate, and generous person.

Whenever I think about my legacy, I think about building relationships, serving others, and committing to lifelong learning. I think about the people who have been impacted by my work, and how much more I can do. That’s what keeps me going!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud of capturing someone who says they are not photogenic. With a little direction, we create a work of art that is both beautiful and powerful. I’m passionate about capturing the essence of my clients. I want to make sure that they are comfortable, relaxed, and happy while we work together. I believe that a session should be fun and enjoyable and I want to make sure that the client feels great about the final product.

I got where I am today professionally, by having the ambition to learn, but remaining humble. There will always be new concepts to grasp and the best way to learn is by doing. Meaning, that if you are willing to put forth effort and make yourself better every day, then there will always be opportunities for advancement. If you go out into your community and ask people how they got where they are today; chances are most of them started at some point with nothing, but a dream or goal in mind. They didn’t get where they did overnight, it took time and hard work. I’m not saying that you should go out and start a business with no plan, but if you have an idea, then put your head down and work hard to make it happen. I know I’ve said this already, but the best way to learn is by doing. You don’t need any fancy degrees or certifications to learn how to do something; just start!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend comes to visit from out of town, I would take them to a number of places. First, I would take them to places that have notable food. Then, I’d take them to historic sites and sociable events. A few of those places would be:

Skyline Park
Revery VR Bar
Punch Bowl Social
North Atlanta Slingshots
Views Bar & Grill
Food Truck Park
The Painted Pin
Main Event
Candle Lit Atlanta
Illuminarium
Centennial Olympic Park
The Aquarium
Piedmont Park
The High Museum

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Several people have made contributions to my journey. My mother has always been there for me, and I will never forget that. My friends have also been very important to me because they have helped me get through many difficult times in my life and have provided me with a lot of encouragement. My mentors have also been extremely beneficial to me throughout my life. Their support and guidance helped me get to where I am today, and I am grateful for everything they have done for me. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to do what I love!

Website: www.midjulyphotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/midjulyphotos

Facebook: www.facebook.com/midjulyphotos

Image Credits
Personal Photo – Sayma Waleh