Why me…

I once read an Oprah quote on a coffee sleeve from Starbucks that I still live by today. It read, “Follow your heart. It will lead you to your purpose.”

The first time I wanted to be a photographer was when I was looking at this male lion on the front cover of National Geographic. I was 11 years old living vicariously through magazines and movies. I loved how I could look at it long enough to see the fur details in its mane, the squiggly lines of its iris and its yellowing teeth. I was mesmerized by these large cats. I felt that if I could be a photographer I could see one in real life. Well I did see one in real life and as a photographer but just not for Nat Geo.

I feel that becoming a professional photographer was serendipitous. I knew I loved it when I was younger, but I didn’t expect it to become my career. I thought that you had to not like your job for it to be a job. But was ever more mistaken. 

By the time I was 29, my immediate family had passed away at different times. Each one that passed away grew me closer and closer to cherishing the moments I shared with them. The most impactful memory I have is our Radio Flyer red wagon which my sister and I took to fish in mud puddles. The photos I have with and of them brings me joy, sadness and nostalgia. The way I feel about those photos is what makes me so connected with being a photographer and how important documenting life is. We only regret the moments we didn't capture especially if we know that the same moment can't happen twice.