Savanah Joy
I'm Savanah Joy. Well, legally I'm Savanah Joy Aho, But I'm not planning on staying an "Aho" forever, and I like my middle name. So that's why I go by "Savanah Joy".
Trying to sum up my life in a few sentences is no small feat. I guess I'll start by telling you that my deepest desire is to be in the Will of God. God gave me a passion for photography. And I believe when you do what you’re most passionate about you feel closest to God. I love it when He shows me His love for people through my lens.
When I was growing up, my mom was the one who always took photos, she had her camera out at every event. I had always been on the other side of the lens until she taught me about photography when I home-schooled in 9th grade. I loved being able to be creative and expressive with the camera. Shortly there after, I took up scrap-booking which inspired me to take photos that told a story.
After graduating from high school, I went on my first mission trip. It was photography focused. I really loved how photography could be used as such a tool on the mission field. Not only does it open doors for communication, it also can raise awareness of injustices and the needs in the world. Then it might inspire others to do more to make a difference in the world.
After that mission trip I continued to use my friends and relatives as subjects, taking graduation portraits, engagement portraits and baby pictures. In the summer of 2005, my brother asked me to photograph his small wedding. I used my mom’s digital SLR camera and loved it. I like to say the rest is History, from there on out. I fell in love with wedding photography, and other portraiture. I continued to borrow my mom’s camera every time I had a wedding or some portraits to do.
I had an opportunity in April of 2007 to go on another photo mission trip. My mom saved all the money she made from making baby blankets, and bought me my first digital SLR camera. I studied in Hawaii for 3 months and then spent 2 months doing mission work in India. Some of the best photos I’ve ever taken are from India.
Since then I’ve done dozens of weddings and traveled the world with my camera, doing missions, portraits and weddings. Photography has given me a chance to meet so many great people. I know this is just the beginning of my adventure, and I’m ready to see what God has for me next!