My Photography Journey 🍋✨

It's truly incredible to look back and see how much my photography has evolved since I first picked up a serious camera in 2019! For anyone out there wondering how to 'capture their own photography journey,' I can tell you it's less about perfect shots and more about documenting your growth and passion. When I started out in Tennessee, my focus was mostly experimental. I took countless landscape photos, trying to understand light and composition. I'd trek through local parks, capturing the changing seasons. The early days were a mix of trial and error, but every click of the shutter felt like a step forward. By 2020, I started getting more comfortable with my gear and began connecting with friends and family for portrait sessions. These initial family and couples shoots were invaluable learning experiences. I learned about directing, making people feel at ease, and the magic of candid moments. 2021 felt like a turning point. I actively sought out more varied projects. This was the year I really delved into car photography, spending hours at local car shows and with enthusiasts, trying to capture the sleek lines and power of vehicles. I also got my first few band shoot gigs, which presented a whole new challenge with lighting and movement. Each new type of shoot pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me refine my technical skills and artistic vision. I remember one challenging outdoor band shoot in tough lighting conditions—it taught me more about using natural light creatively than any tutorial ever could. As I moved into 2022 and 2023, my style really started to solidify. I found confidence in my ability to adapt to different scenarios, whether it was a bustling family reunion or a serene landscape. I started keeping a digital archive, categorizing my work by year and type of shoot, which made it so easy to look back and trace my progress. It's like a visual diary of my learning curve! Reflecting on how I handled a challenging client or a difficult lighting situation in 2022 versus a similar scenario in 2023 shows just how much I've grown. For anyone who wants to 'capture the journey photography' can be, here are a few tips I've picked up: Document everything: Not just your best shots, but the ones you learned from. Keep a folder for "lessons learned" photos. Date your work: This seems obvious, but it’s crucial for seeing progress. My photos from 2019 next to my more recent work are a testament to this. Reflect and review: Regularly look back at your old work. What would you do differently now? What have you improved? Seek diverse experiences: Don't stick to just one genre. Trying new things, like vehicle or band shoots, can broaden your perspective and skills. Embrace your location: Living in Tennessee has given me so many diverse backdrops, from mountains to cityscapes. Make the most of where you are. Looking ahead to 2024, I'm excited about new projects, including some planned shoots near Locust Hi. The journey never really ends, and that's the most exciting part about photography—there's always something new to learn, a new moment to capture, and another milestone to reach. Keep shooting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep enjoying every step of your unique photography adventure!