We recently connected with Genell Ferrell and have shared our conversation below.

Genell, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

Throughout my career as a teacher of teachers and as a mother of four students stumbling through the realm of public education, I found myself constantly questioning pedagogy (the methods used for instruction) and curriculum (what is taught). I was frustrated with the state of education and the rigidity of “doing what has always been done.” In working to combat educational injustices, I collaborated with and summoned my students to design classrooms tailored to their pupils’ interests and strengths through the inclusion of the arts, watching them blossom into creative, empowering teachers. I began documenting their successes with photographic storytelling, and in this effort to share with them the beauty I saw unfolding within their classrooms, I re-kindled a love for the art of photography. If creativity in the arts had not been encouraged, I may never have discovered my current career path; as a community, we need to work to keep arts in the school. Art is a form of communication and without it, many children lose their story, lose their ability to express who they are. Additionally, the arts promote strength in problem solving- something I feel current educational trends are squelching through rote memorization. Creative learning and thinking is a privilege and should be treated as such with the inclusion of art programs in public education. “Life isn’t about finding yourself, its about creating yourself.” [Shaw]

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

A brief walk through my story begins in a small town called Ellettsville, Indiana on a farm, number seven of eight children, with blonde pigtails, hand-me-down clothes and aspirations to be a country music singer-movie actress-Olympic volleyball player-teacher-pediatrician-veterinarian. I have always been a lover of learning and was blessed with parent educators who never squelched my desire to research and experiment with all things that interested me, even when that meant playing chauffer to my many lessons, games, and performances. After high school, I tackled college at Indiana University in the same fevered manner I had my previous schooling experiences; attempt everything. I took courses in Child Psychology, Physics, Painting, Animal Behaviorism, Photography, Chemistry, Musical Theory, and more, mostly just managing to incur hefty student loans and settling on nothing in particular. Ultimately, I discovered metacognition, fell in love with the art of inspiration, and became a professor of teaching. Raising my own children and working with my students created a whirlwind of challenges and rewards, stimulated my intellect, and kept my attention for almost thirty years until the calling to recreate myself professionally began to once again knock at my door; I wanted to become a storyteller through photography.

As much joy as photography lit in my soul, I had never before considered it a career because the idea of financing a household of six (eight, counting the dogs) with a “pastime” didn’t seem like a viable option. Not until my reassuring, encouraging family pushed me to pursue my photography passion did I ever get to realize my dream of starting my own business…and it was easy and I had a million Instagram followers within the first month and tons of paying customers and…I believe the acronym “LOL” is fitting here. Starting my own business was extremely difficult, far from a “smooth road.” Moving to Florida six years ago seemed like the ideal starting point for my new endeavor; I had left my position as a college professor for the move and had only two of my four kids, both in high school, still living at home.
Although a new state, new beginning seemed logical, I had not considered how arduous it would be to build a client base in a community who did not know anything about me. My first few months as a full-time photographer involved many hours of networking, volunteering, pro-bono shoots, and observation as well as investigation into the communities around me in order to better understand the people who eventually become my patrons and my friends.

My work is defined by the people I am photographing; I consider myself the shapeshifter of photographers. To clarify, although I tend to lean towards “in the moment” candid shots personally, each photoshoot is more about what the individual visualizes for their images. The memories I am capturing are theirs, not mine, so I truly search to find what the client describes as their ideal photo. I am always most proud of the art I have created when the customer states, “This photo shows a genuine smile! I am so happy you caught that!” A photo, just like all art, is most meaningful when it sparks a personal connection for the viewer. As a plus, coming from and having a large family, as well as being a teacher, has allowed me to master the art of chaos- I thrive in large family shoot opportunities and love the details seized within interaction; my art flourishes from the messy, beautiful mayhem our world ensues. If you want to see what people care about, watch what they photograph; I care about people.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I believe that the essence of life is the ability to pivot. Working towards a college degree when surprise, pregnant- pivot to a career with kid-friendly hours…grandmother has Alzheimer’s and needs constant care- pivot to a new home and night classes to complete degree…husband’s job forces a move to another state- pivot to a new workplace…kids graduate high school and leave home- pivot to a new career. This is where the capacity to creatively problem-solve becomes crucial; find ways to cling to the positives, innovate financing through side jobs, inventive vacations on a budget, not letting fear of the unknown cloud your confidence. “Pivoting is not the end of the disruption process, but the beginning of the next leg of your journey.” [Samit]

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have several goals driving my creative journey relating to constructing my best life however, my belief that all art is a form of storytelling bridges with my mission of encouraging positive human connection. When I moved to Florida, I met families whose lives had been altered forever from the evil effects of Human Trafficking. These stories ignited a desire to create outreach and curriculum for younger children in an effort to improve internet safety through better educational programs. While writing this curriculum, I discovered a great need for children’s literature on the topic so I wrote a picture book titled “Mimic Magic,” that teaches the concept of mimicry through animal camouflage, helping young readers understand that things are not always what they seem. “The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away.” [Picasso]

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.barkpics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitedog_photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barkpics/

Image Credits
Feature headshot by photographer Stephanie Dishman. All other images taken by Dr. Genell Ferrell of White Dog Photography.