I always had a love for photography on both sides of the camera since I was a child. When I decided to start my photography business I did a lot of the same things that other up and coming photographers do. I offered free photo sessions to my closest friends, family, coworkers, and church members.

Prior to anyone taking me up on my free portrait session offer - 2 years ago - I had plans to take my daughter to the park and I had a goal. An entire vision captive in my mind and I wanted to free it by capturing it with my camera for everyone to be in awe including myself. There’s something about having an idea and executing it the way you intended and it rewards you with a feeling of accomplishment like no other. It is so fulfilling. It’s something that only you can feel for yourself. Do it! Set a goal based on a vision and execute it. It is exhilarating.

When shooting these photos I told her imagine you are a princess and you just ran away from somewhere and someone is chasing you through the forest. I told her to have a serious expression and at first she didn’t understand and I told her to trust me. She usually just wants to do her cute little innocent smile but I wanted to introduce her to this variation. She executed perfectly after some direction and encouragement.

I use this photo as my main photo to represent my business. I also printed on a framed canvas I don’t believe I have found a photo that could top everything about it.

What do you think of the session I had with my daughter?

I’d like to share my favorite moments of 2018
for me and for my photography.

The photography services I provided for the sessions and events of 2018 were all contributions to my growth as a photographer. This along with some personal life changes and I was able to end 2018 as a full-time photographer. That’s right! No more working 9 - 5 investing in other people’s dreams and ideas, but now I spend my time investing in my own dreams and myself overall.

Being a full-time photographer I’ve found myself at the beach on a weekday morning. So good for the soul. I’ve been at Weston Town Center at 11:30 on a Wednesday to offer my video services to one of my clients. Or even the golf course at Weston Hills Country Club at 2:00. All of this would’ve been impossible if I still had the dead-end job that had me stuck inside of a building that was below 60 degrees, trapped in a cubicle, with tasteless music blasting disruptively to the point I could not focus and a place overall where I was not appreciated for 5 years. Year 2018 gave me the gift of not having to be tied to a desk and micromanaged beyond belief.

I believe life can be compared to a book, each year a new chapter and I finally decided to become the author of mine. I no longer allow others to write my story for me. I no longer allow others to dictate what I’m doing or how I’m doing it. If you are unhappy at your job or with anything in your life, you are the author of your life and you have a choice to follow your dreams. Own it. You can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t just allow life to knock you around, build a plan and execute it.

With my photography, I continue to learn. I notice my own growth after each and every session I complete.

Here are some of my favorite images of 2018. They aren’t in any particular order and some of these photos will not be found in my photography portfolio.

I look forward to the growth that lies ahead of me and I hope you are all there to support me in my journey as I will do the same for you.