My Journey: Finding My Path in Photography and the Power of Patience
Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My journey started when I was nine or ten, picking up my dad’s camera—a far cry from the tools I use today. It wasn’t great, and neither were my photos. They were just random pictures of objects, often poorly lit and out of focus. But even then, I felt a pull toward capturing the world through a lens.
Looking back, those early days taught me something invaluable: creativity takes time. It’s not something you can rush, and the process of discovering your style and voice as a photographer is just as important as the final result.
Learning the Basics
When I started, it was all about curiosity. I’d experiment with lighting, aperture, and shutter speed, trying to make sense of concepts like ISO and exposure. I had no clue what I was doing, but I was hungry to learn. Those experiments weren’t glamorous, but they laid the groundwork for everything I do now.
In my teenage years, I started photographing people—mainly friends during fun, impromptu shoots. It was a huge shift. Working with people taught me to be decisive and confident, two things I wasn’t naturally comfortable with at the time. My photos were far from perfect, but I was learning, growing, and, most importantly, figuring out what I loved about photography.
Finding My Style
Here’s the truth: it took me years to figure out my style. And that’s okay. It’s so easy to look at what others are doing and feel tempted to copy it, especially when you feel lost. But that sense of being lost is actually a gift. It forces you to explore, to question, and ultimately to define what makes your work unique.
My early journey was a mix of inspiration and frustration. I’d try to replicate techniques or styles I admired, but over time, I realized that what truly matters is creating something that feels authentic to you. It’s not about chasing trends or mimicking others—it’s about finding joy in the process and trusting that your style will emerge naturally.
Growth Through Challenges
About eight years ago, I started working with clients. One of my first jobs was photographing a wedding, and it felt like being thrown into the deep end. To make it even more nerve-wracking, one of the siblings at the wedding was an NFL player. I didn’t have the best gear, and I had no idea how things would turn out. But to my surprise, everything went smoothly. That experience taught me that growth often happens in the most challenging moments.
From there, I worked with friends, family, small businesses, and anyone who trusted me with their moments. I didn’t always get paid, but I was grateful for every opportunity. Those early projects helped me refine my skills and understand what I truly loved about photography: connecting with people and telling their stories.
Creativity Takes Time
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that creativity is a journey, not a destination. It’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you’re not doing enough, but the truth is, everyone moves at their own pace. Feeling lost is part of the process—it’s where you discover what inspires you and what kind of work you want to create.
Photography isn’t just about the images; it’s about the experiences, the lessons, and the connections you make along the way. Every photo, every mistake, every moment of doubt—it all shapes you into the artist you’re meant to be.
A Word of Encouragement
To anyone who’s just starting or feeling unsure of their path: give yourself the time and space to grow. Learn from others, but don’t be afraid to carve out your own way. Embrace the uncertainty, because it’s in those moments that you’ll find your voice.
My journey has been anything but linear, and I’m so grateful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to trust their process, embrace their creativity, and keep moving forward—one photo at a time.
