2017 - Early days with my first DSLR - A Nikon 7200
Almost ten years ago, I picked up a DSLR with no real plan, driven by curiosity and the simple idea of trying something new. I did not know where it would lead, only that I wanted to see what would happen if I stuck with it. A few classes helped me get started, but most of what I learned came from doing, from taking photos that missed the mark and going back out to try again. Somewhere along the way, photography became the one thing that stayed. It gave me something to return to, something to build on, and a reason to slow down and pay attention.
Over time, I found myself shooting during most of my travels. Some days were full of movement and energy, others asked for patience and stillness. That contrast is what pulled me in. I began to realize that photography is not just about capturing what is in front of you, but about how you show up to it. The images slowly became more than photographs. They turned into pieces of my own experience, small reminders of calm, joy, curiosity, and the simple act of being present.
2018 - Horseshoe Bend. My first real attempt. I had no idea how far this could go.
One of the first places that really made me feel the weight of this craft was Horseshoe Bend. I remember standing there with a camera I barely knew how to use, trying to make sense of light, space, and timing all at once. It was exciting, and humbling in the best way. That moment taught me that photography is not just about instinct. It is also about preparation, about thinking ahead, learning the tools, and putting in the work to master the craft.
People often talk about talent as if it is the deciding factor. Maybe it helps, maybe it does not. What I have come to believe in far more is practice, effort, and the time you are willing to give to something that matters to you. Photography taught me that you do not wait until you feel ready or good enough. You get better by staying curious, by trying again, and by showing up even when you are unsure of the outcome.
As the years passed, this craft slowly became part of who I am. It means a great deal to me to have found something that feels right and continues to challenge me. More than anything, I hope these images become a small legacy for my daughter. I hope she sees that curiosity is worth protecting, that creating can be joyful, and that persistence is a quiet but powerful strength. And if one day she finds her own way of seeing the world, her own craft to grow into, I hope she remembers that the journey itself is what truly matters.
2025 - Louvre Abu Dhabi. With the Nikon Z8 in hand, learning once again that skill, patience, and practice are what shape every photograph.
And here I am now, years later, still learning, still searching for light, and still chasing strong compositions. The camera has changed, the places have changed, and I have changed too, but the feeling remains the same. Photography has become a way of moving through the world with intention. It reminds me to slow down, to look closer, to stay curious, and to keep showing up for the things that matter.
It’s incredible how quickly gear and software continue to evolve, giving photographers powerful new tools to create. Still, the fundamentals remain unchanged. Light, subject, and composition are what shape every photograph. For me, it all comes down to something even simpler: finding a passion worth the time and effort it takes to truly master it. One word captures that feeling best. Joy.