From Hobby Photographer to Business Owner
Photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember (so cliche I know). Growing up, my mom loved capturing photos of my siblings and me, and I was always fascinated by the power of those images. But it wasn’t just the photos I loved, it was the stories they told. I spent hours flipping through old photo albums, fascinated by the memories. And from a young age, I loved playing dress-up and styling myself for fun. Creativity and style have always been a part of who I am.
I started borrowing cameras from the adults in my life and had a blast editing my first photos on PicMonkey, using someone else's subscription (I may or may not have borrowed that subscription with zero shame). By junior high, I was snapping pictures for my friends and even started taking senior photos for classmates. I was officially dabbling in the business side of photography, and it was exciting. But, like so many things, I didn’t always take it seriously until later.
After high school, I went off to college but didn’t finish. Then, COVID hit, and on one quiet night during the lockdown, I decided to turn my passion into a real business. I finally said, “This is it. This is something I want to do for real.” From there, everything began to fall into place, and the journey officially began.
Moving to New Mexico and starting fresh was tough. I didn’t know anyone, so I had to build my business from the ground up. But, that’s when I really found my voice as a photographer. I met people from all walks of life and discovered that photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about connecting with people, learning their stories, and capturing real moments.
Throughout all of this, I struggled with my mental health. Photography was my escape. Over the last several years, I started seeing the world more clearly, and I was able to connect with people on a much deeper level. Photography, human connection, and art became my healing. Now, every time I pick up my camera, it’s not just about taking beautiful pictures. It’s about connecting with the people in front of me. I spend hours staring at faces, editing, color correcting, and fine-tuning every shot to make sure it becomes a memory.
Over the years, I’ve invested in the new equipment, honed my skills, and made sure my client experience is second to none. I’m constantly learning and growing in my craft, because this is something I am deeply passionate about. Photography has always been more than a hobby to me—it’s a part of who I am.