When I was a kid, I’d always dream about potentially one day, making it on the cover of a print magazine. But it was also one of those dreams that I never thought I’d actually achieve, just like I never thought I’d be able to do photography full-time. My parents have always been supportive, but as a millennial, I feel like we all kind of had that mindset of go to college get a real job work for corporate… that’s what success looks like. 🎓 and that’s what I did for a while. But it wasn’t rewarding and thinking about doing that for the rest of my life? 😢
I’m so thankful I decided to take the leap and it couldn’t have happened without the wonderfully supportive humans in my life. My friends, family, my partner at the time. They all believed in me. And I’m so incredibly thankful.
Now I’ve been on the cover of 1889washington magazine not once but twice, and featured in many print publications over the years as well. It still feels surreal, getting to hold a photo of yours in your own two hands… I mean, there’s nothing like it. 🙏
I like to think my childhood self would be proud 🥹
Taking the path less traveled can feel intimidating, especially when it goes against the traditional expectations ingrained in us from a young age. I remember that pinch-me moment vividly—realizing my photos were actually being published and held in print, something I once only dreamed about but never dared to expect. It was a mix of excitement and disbelief, a feeling that I’m sure many creatives share as they see their hard work materialize. For those thinking about making the leap into full-time photography or any creative career, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of a supportive network. My friends, family, and partner didn’t just encourage me; they believed in me when I doubted myself. That emotional and moral support is priceless and can be the difference between giving up and pushing forward. Time management and persistence are also key. Balancing a day job while cultivating your passion requires discipline and tenacity. I found writing down goals, tracking progress, and celebrating small milestones helped me stay motivated even on the laziest days. Seeing my work in print was one of those milestones that fueled my ambition. Moreover, the sense of fulfillment that comes from doing what you love far outweighs the comfort of a conventional career. It’s not always easy or predictable, but embracing uncertainty is part of the journey. Being on the cover of 1889washington magazine twice has been surreal, but more importantly, it’s been rewarding and a constant reminder that chasing passion can lead to incredible places. If you’re wondering about the first steps, start by building your portfolio, sharing your work widely, and connecting with communities that nurture creativity. Opportunities often come at unexpected times, so readiness paired with resilience is crucial. Reflecting on my own journey, I believe my childhood self would be immensely proud knowing that the dream once distant is now beautifully realized.
