09/20/2024
Growth – A Journey Through the Lens
As I gear up for a busy weekend filled with headshot sessions and events, it’s easy to get lost in the fast pace of work and forget how far I’ve come. I’ve been putting in the time to grow, both as a photographer and as a person, and that effort doesn’t always feel visible when you’re in the thick of it. But one thing I’ve realized is that growth is constant—it’s a lifelong process. I am a better photographer today than I was yesterday, and I firmly believe that the journey never stops.
This evening, I spent some time diving into my archives and revisiting photos I took nearly 20 years ago. It’s hard to believe that on September 24, 2004, I was standing behind the lens, capturing moments, figuring things out as I went. Looking at those images now, it’s tempting to criticize every out-of-focus shot, every tilted horizon, and every exposure that wasn’t quite right. But those "mistakes" are part of my story, part of my growth.
For a long time, I tried to bury those early works, to ignore my photographic past. But part of my growth today is learning to transcend that urge and embrace those early missteps. Because in each of those imperfect shots lies the foundation of who I’ve become as a photographer. Growth isn’t just about getting better—it’s about reflecting on where we started, understanding that every flaw was a stepping stone, and realizing that those moments of imperfection are as valuable as the perfect shot.
It’s easy to be critical of my work, even today, but if we don’t pause to appreciate how far we’ve come, we risk losing sight of what it means to be human. And for me, that’s what photography is about—capturing the essence of growth. Growth in the subject, growth in myself, and growth in the connections I create through my lens.
As I move into this busy season, I do so with deep gratitude. The camera has taken me on an incredible journey, and I'm profoundly thankful for having found my way back to photography. It’s a passion that continues to shape me, and I wouldn’t trade this path for anything.
And, as Bourdain wisely put it:
"Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund."