Why I Started Doing Photography

Why I Started Photography: Capturing Moments and Finding My Creative Voice

My photography journey started during my senior year of high school. Like many seniors, I wanted beautiful graduation photos to remember such a special milestone. But at the time, senior sessions were expensive, and with both my sister and me graduating the same year, it just wasn’t something our family could afford.

Instead of giving up on the idea, I became curious about photography itself. I wanted to learn how those beautiful images were created, and that curiosity is what started my journey.

The year I graduated, I bought my very first camera—a Canon starter kit—during a Black Friday sale. I was so excited to begin learning and discovering everything my camera could do. I spent countless hours practicing, photographing family and friends, learning from my mistakes, and trying to understand how to create the images I had always admired.

After gaining more experience, I started charging a small amount for sessions. It wasn’t about making a full business right away—it was about growing my confidence, improving my skills, and getting more comfortable behind the camera.

Photography has been a journey filled with learning, challenges, and growth. It is a very competitive industry, and there were many moments where I questioned whether I was good enough. I had so many doubts along the way and wondered if I truly had what it took to be a photographer.

After a few camera upgrades, countless hours of practice, and lots of learning, I finally started to understand manual settings. It didn’t happen overnight. It took years of experimenting, making mistakes, watching tutorials, learning from other photographers, and pushing myself to keep improving. I would say it wasn’t until about four years ago that manual settings finally started to click, and I became confident in creating the images I envisioned.

Throughout this journey, I have continued to grow and find my own style. Finding my creative voice didn’t happen quickly—it took time, practice, and discovering what truly inspired me. Today, I have a better understanding of the type of photographer I want to be and the kind of memories I want to create for my clients.

Looking back, I’m thankful for every step of this journey—even the difficult ones. Every mistake, every doubt, and every challenge helped shape me into the photographer I am today.

And here I am, years later, still holding a camera and capturing special moments for so many amazing people. From families and seniors to couples and milestones, I get to preserve memories that will be cherished for years to come. That is something I never take for granted.

It’s amazing to think that something I started because we couldn’t afford senior pictures turned into a passion that allows me to create those same meaningful memories for others.