For several years I’ve wanted to peruse photography, it peaked my interest at a young age due to my older sister constantly carrying around a camera snapping photos of me. Most of my childhood memories were caught on camera by either her or my Grandfather. My grandpa was a man who loved to show things from his point of view, he never left the house without a windup disposable camera in his front pocket. The older I got the more interested I became, my father was my final inspiration he would show me all the mechanics and settings for each of his cameras. He loved taking photos and sharing any info he could with me, I observed it all with wide eyes absorbing all the info I could. I have many memories of tagging along on Saturday mornings and going to a Nikon store just outside of my hometown, the building was jam packed with cameras,camera accessories, lights, and the newest photo technology. I carefully inspected every bit that I could each time we visited. 

   In middle school I got my very first camera for Christmas, it was a small handheld Nikon I took it everywhere I could snapping photos of whatever could catch my eyes, pictures of people, objects, scenery, and more. There weren’t very many times when I didn’t have a camera in my hands, as time went on I moved into my high school years and found a class that felt like it was meant for me. Photo journalism changed a lot of my photography views and allowed me to learn proper techniques for angles and lighting as well as how to write about the images captured. I fell in love with the feeling of being a photographer all over again and knew that some day I’d make my dream a reality.

    Then one day my camera wouldn’t turn on, my dreams were put on hold due to the fact that I couldn’t afford a new one. I was devastated but was determined to keep trying to achieve my goal I started taking photos using my phone, nothing to increase just a few sunset photos or photos of my family members but the desire for the perfect photo grew inside me. I needed to do more then just a few simple photos, so I pushed my limits on my phone and tested if I could capture the lighting and emotions I wanted in my photos still. My amazing big sister Jen volunteered many times as a modeling candidate and allowed me to practice as many times as I needed. I’ve taken birthday photos, family photos, boudoir, and even portraits of my sister and her family. I’ve learned so much that I’ve started taking photos for other people like my friends to have a variety in models and locations and it’s been a big hit for me. 

Ive finally decided that I want to make something of my talents and branch out even more with other people outside of my friend group and family and capture life through the lens for so many people.