by Julie Schlette
Picture this: It’s 2020, and I’m navigating one of the darkest periods of my life.
A mom of five grown kids, an IT architect by day, and suddenly living alone as the COVID-19 pandemic redefined isolation. If that weren’t enough, I was in the middle of a divorce. Life felt heavy and uncertain. Like so many people searching for purpose, I found myself wondering, What now? In the quiet of those long, lonely days, I dusted off my DSLR camera. Photography had always intrigued me—a spark ignited in early childhood watching my uncle create images in his makeshift darkroom with paper and “magic” solution. For years, I’ve tried to build a side gig and could just never make a go of it. But this time was different. I was determined to learn, to make it work; I wanted to become a real photographer.
I’ve photographed my travels, my kids, neighbors, and friends, but calling myself a photographer felt fraudulent. I didn’t have the confidence or know-how to grow my craft. I barely dared whisper the word photographer aloud for fear someone might unmask me as an imposter.
When I stumbled across a photography membership group online, I jumped at the chance. A subscription fee promised access to education, networking, and mentorship. I even signed up for a two-day workshop in San Diego. But as months passed, I realized I was spinning my wheels. The mentorship was lackluster, and I wasn’t growing. I wanted more.
Then one hot summer day, my daughter invited me to her house for lunch. Spending time with my adult children is always a treat, so I jumped at the chance. Afterward, she suggested checking out a nearby garage sale that had advertised photography props. Braving the sweltering Texas heat, we wandered over, more for the fun of it than anything else. The driveway was scattered with random treasures, and while my daughter and I browsed all the goodies. The owner, a friendly woman with jet-black hair, overheard me talking about the photo props. Apologetically, she said they’d sold earlier that morning. Then, she started asking questions:
“What genre do you shoot?” “
How long have you been a photographer?”
“What camera do you use?”
I cringed. Was she about to expose me as the wannabe I felt like? Still, I answered honestly, explaining that I was a hobbyist just starting out, still in the infancy of my journey. I mentioned the San Diego workshop and my hopes of learning more. She nodded thoughtfully and asked, “Have you ever heard of Texas School?”
“Texas School?” I repeated, puzzled.
She lit up, explaining that Texas School was a week-long photography experience taught by first-class instructors. Five days of total immersion in a single topic, plus parties, networking, and fun. A place where lifelong relationships were made. Her enthusiasm was contagious. As my daughter and I walked home, juggling the random trinkets we’d picked up, I pulled out my phone and began to Google “Texas School”.
What I found was astounding. A lineup of renowned instructors, a week packed with education, and all of it was more affordable than the two-day workshop I’d been so excited about. And it was practically in my backyard! I could feel the excitement flowing through my veins. By the time I got home, I was convinced—this was the opportunity I’d been searching for. I canceled my San Diego plans and registered for Texas School. Though the in-person event was canceled due to COVID, I eagerly participated in the 2021 At-Home version. I was beyond excited, I took notes, recorded sessions and listened intently to every class.
Fast forward to today, and my life has transformed. I attended my first in-person Texas School in 2021. In 2024, I stood at the Texas Professional Photographers Association Awards Ceremony, receiving the Image of Distinction award for an entry in the TPPA Annual Image Competition. I am a member of PPA, TPPA and DPPA. In 2024 I earned my Certified Professional Photographer credential. I can finally say with confidence that I am a photographer!
Recently, I shared my story with Steve Kozak, and we wondered: Who was that kind woman who introduced me to Texas School at that garage sale? With his help, I discovered it was none other than Beth Steel, a Texas School and TPPA leader. Over the years, I’d chatted with Beth, emailed her, and volunteered under her guidance—all without realizing she was the woman who changed my life that scorching July day.
Thanks to that chance encounter, I found my photography family and a path that has brought me joy, growth, and purpose. I can honestly say that, I found Texas School at a Garage Sale!