My Photography Journey
In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, I took a leap of faith. With a stimulus check and a lucky $1,000 lottery win, I bought my first camera an investment that would quietly change the course of my life. At the time, I was living paycheck to paycheck, juggling multiple jobs just to make ends meet. I had no roadmap, just a deep curiosity and the will to create.
2021 was a difficult year. I struggled with my mental health and often questioned my path. But amidst the chaos, I found a turning point in the most unexpected place, a YouTube video about networking. As someone with social anxiety, the idea of putting myself out there felt overwhelming. Still, I took the first step. I started walking the quiet streets, camera in hand, while the world stood still. That solitude gave me space to see things differently, and more importantly, to be seen.
I began approaching local businesses, asking if they needed photos for their social media. Some said yes. Others didn't. But every "no" taught me persistence, and every "yes" built my confidence. Eventually, I decided to formalize my passion and enrolled in college to major in Digital Content Creation.
Since then, I've explored the world through my lens, joining photography groups in Cleveland and Sandusky, and meeting people who share the same passion for storytelling through imagery. These moments have shaped not just my craft, but my character.
Today, I'm working toward a career in marketing, where I hope to blend creativity and strategy. Photography has become more than a hobby; it's been a way to connect, to heal, and to see the world through new eyes. Over the next five years, I hope to grow even more to keep learning, keep creating, and keep showing the world life through my perspective.
