Reflecting on My Journey: From Passion to Achievement

I have to admit something: when I first started my journey in photography, I never could have imagined I would be where I am today. It’s been an incredible ride, one filled with growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments. But if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that this journey has been worth every step.

I didn’t set out to build a business or even think about a career. I just loved capturing moments—seeing people’s smiles when they looked at an image of themselves or their loved ones. That instant when someone realizes how beautiful they are, when they see their image and feel that rush of confidence—that’s what I live for. I began to realize that what I was doing wasn’t just about pictures. It was about creating a legacy, preserving moments in time for generations to come.

The Early Days
30 years ago, I never envisioned myself running a business. At first, it was just a hobby—something I did because I loved it. But as I began taking more photos, people started offering to pay me for my time and images. I was humbled and surprised. Why not turn something I love into a career? And so, I took that leap.

It all started with an adorable two-year-old daughter of a colleague. That little girl’s photo remains one of my most treasured memories, and it’s even on one of my very first business cards. To think, that was back in 2009—how far I’ve come since then!

A Shift in Focus
Over the years, I found myself photographing a wide range of subjects—children, families, seniors, and countless weddings. But as time went on, my heart and my passion evolved. I began to feel a deeper connection to beauty and glamour portraits. There’s something uniquely rewarding about working with hair stylists and makeup artists to create a look that’s timeless, beautiful, and distinctly the subject. I wanted to capture more than just an image. I wanted to capture a feeling.

Now, I focus on shooting only three to four destination weddings a year, and the rest of my time is dedicated to creating beauty and fashion portraits that highlight the beauty in every woman. I believe every woman is beautiful—regardless of her size, height, age, or ethnicity. Beauty is innate, and it’s my mission to showcase that in every photograph.

Doing What I Love
Finally, after all these years of hard work, I can proudly say that I’m doing what I truly love. I’m not just a photographer—I’m an artist, creating timeless portraits that will be cherished for years to come. And it feels incredible.

A Milestone Achievement
A couple years ago, I took a huge leap and submitted a few of my images to the Portrait Masters Awards & Accreditation. To be honest, I was nervous. For four weeks, I waited anxiously for the results to come in from 13 world-renowned professional photographers. On Monday, March 16th, the results arrived—and I was thrilled to announce that my five images received credit and were awarded the Bronze! Even more exciting, one of those images was awarded Bronze with Distinction!

This achievement means so much to me. It’s a recognition of the hard work, passion, and dedication I’ve poured into my craft. But most importantly, it’s a reminder that I can do this. That I am doing this.

Looking Ahead
The journey doesn’t stop here. This is just the beginning. I’m already planning to enter more images in the next round, and I’m committed to doing this every year until I achieve my ultimate goal: to earn my “Master” designation. The process is challenging. It’s hard to put your work out there, especially when it’s being judged by industry leaders. But I’ve been learning from some of the best portrait photographers in the world, and their feedback—both positive and critical—has been invaluable in helping me grow.

Today, however, I’m taking a moment to savor this win. It’s so easy to focus on the things that didn’t go perfectly, or to compare yourself to others. But I’ve come to realize that this win is mine. I did it. I achieved this. And that’s something worth celebrating.

Onward and Upward
While I do have certain goals I’d like to reach, I’m not rushing ahead to the next one just yet. Today is about honoring this moment, this achievement. And tomorrow, I’ll work even harder to reach the next goal, and the next, and the next. One step at a time.

Here’s to the journey ahead, to the challenges that await, and to the victories—big and small—that make it all worth it.

Cheers to reaching the next goal, no matter how hard it may be. I’m ready. Are you?