Beginning
I’ve always enjoyed photography, but it wasn’t until I was in my late 20s that I decided to go full time. I loved the feeling of connecting with people and recording the important moments in their lives through the lens of my camera. But what made me decide to make photography my full-time career? Let me tell you why...
I love capturing moments that would otherwise fade away. I love being able to look back at a portrait and see the way someone looked at a particular moment in time. I also love event photography because it allows me(an introvert) to get out of my shell while being around people. Event photography is also very fulfilling because I get to meet new people every day and hear their stories. It's always so rewarding for me when someone says, I saw your photos on instagram and I loved it. It makes my day. The best part about event photography though, is the opportunity to make great friends with people from all over who come together for one reason or another.
I remember the first photo I ever took. It was on an old film camera(Minolta) that I won at a musical chair game. I was maybe 10 years old. I don't even remember what the subject was, but I do remember how it made me feel. Photography has always been a way for me to capture moments and feelings, even when I'm not the best at words. It's a way for me to share my introverted view of the world with others in a way that feels natural and comfortable for me. And over the years, it's become one of the most important parts of my life. It's part of who I am. The camera helps me get out of my head and forces me to take time to focus on other people, which isn't something I typically enjoy doing as an introvert. What started as just a hobby is now an integral part of who I am and how I live my life--I never know when photography will be needed or why, but knowing that its there makes me feel more complete.
I never really thought about photography seriously until my wife was graduating from her doctoral program. I wanted to be able to capture those moments and have something to look back on. Since then, I've gotten more into taking portraits and landscapes. It's become a form of meditation for me - a way to clear my head and just be in the moment. When I'm behind the camera, I'm not thinking about anything else except for what I'm seeing in front of me. And that's why photography is such an important part of my life. The art of capturing someone's personality through their expressions or their surroundings. The ability to freeze time and make memories last forever through this image-making process. Every person deserves to be remembered as they were at their happiest moments.
I started photography as a way to document my life. I never thought it would be anything more than a hobby. But then I discovered Peter McKinnon on YouTube and everything changed. His creative storytelling, beautiful landscapes, and inspiring tutorials showed me that photography could be so much more than just taking pictures of my friends and family. It could be art. It could be a way to tell stories and connect with people from all over the world. And that's what I wanted to do. So I started taking classes, reading books, and practicing every chance I got. And now photography is such a big part of my life. It's how I make a living, but it's also how I express myself and connect with the world. As I've grown in this craft, I've come to realize how important portraits are for me. Capturing someone's personality and telling their story through their eyes has become my favorite thing about photography. There are few moments in life more satisfying than capturing someone's smile when they see their final portrait for the first time.
When I was first starting out in photography, I was so nervous for my first wedding job. I questioned someone trusting me to capture such an important day in their lives. But I pushed through, and it ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Not only did I get to capture some beautiful moments, but I also got to know the couple on a personal level. They trusted me with one of the most important days of their lives, and that was an incredible feeling. Now, every time I photograph a new family or couple, I think about how they entrusted me with capturing their memories. It's just as fulfilling as ever - even if you're not photographing weddings! One thing that sets us apart from other photographers is our ability to tell stories. We work closely with our clients to find their individual story and create memorable images that will last forever. Your photographer can be your best friend at your party, capturing all the joys and emotions without intruding too much into your life. My goal is for my clients to feel comfortable enough around me to share what makes them unique with me so I can do my best work possible!
Getting started in photography can be daunting. But the best advice I ever received was to just get started. And that's what I did. I started taking pictures of everything and anything. And, as I got better, my photos became more and more personal to me. They began to capture moments and feelings that I wanted to remember and share with others. In short, they helped me tell my story. That story has become much richer because of photography--but it all started with taking that first step to start from were I was. You have so much to gain by starting today. The only thing you'll lose is regret. Make a plan for how you will take photos everyday. Begin by getting your camera out every day and take a picture or two. Soon, this will become a habit like brushing your teeth or going for a walk. These days we want everything now! We need instant gratification; but if you can make the commitment to spend five minutes on yourself every day then these memories will last forever!

