From Picking Up My First Camera to Shooting Ad Campaigns

This year, like many before it, have passed by so quickly that I missed an important anniversary - even though it’s a day that would change my life forever.

As of April 2020, It’s been 10 years since I bought my first camera!

I can remember it like it was yesterday! I was a twenty-two-year-old kid walking into B&H for the first time-both marveled by their automated conveyer belts and navigating my way up the escalator, straight to their used counter.

I had just enough money to buy a used Canon Rebel XSI 450D, a vertical grip, and a single memory card. A total of around $500, and I was on my way back home with what arguably was soon to be one of my most prized possessions.

I was stoked! It was my first DSLR, and the reason I invested in it was to document the progress of a car that I was restoring with my grandfather.

I can remember fiddling around with it, trying to understand the settings. And even though I hadn’t yet mastered the camera, I rarely left home without it. It became an extension of my person.

I took photos of EVERYTHING, to the point of the frustration of those around me. But I didn’t care; I wanted to capture art and share my story.

I was OBSESSED. It was all I could think about.

And eventually, that love of photography turned into what ten years later would be an incredible life journey.

Ten years later:

I’ve met so many beautiful people (many of you reading this.)
I’ve made some incredible friends during that time because of photography.
I’ve written two books on photography (I’ll have the third wrapped this year.)
I’ve had one of my photos in Time Square (Literally, a decade after picking up my first camera.)
I’ve shot ads for companies I never thought possible.
I’ve worked with companies I never imagined.
I’ve shot for magazines that I would avidly read on my lunch breaks when I first started.
I’ve traveled the world to places that I never thought imaginable.

Photography helped unlock so many fantastic opportunities in my life. I’m blessed to say that after ten years, the love is just as strong as day 1.

Thank you to everyone who has accompanied me throughout my journey.

Here’s to the next decade. ❤️

My Timeline | The Last 10 Years.

I would also like to take a moment to outline my 10-year journey for you so that you can see that it's been no overnight success. It's been a decade of wins, losses, and steady progress.

I can guarantee that our journeys will differ. However, if you find yourself frustrated, tired, struggling to make a breakthrough in your creative journey, remember this: