The Beginning

While my journey in the world of photography didn't begin with a career in mind, my original focus was Graphic Design. However, photography soon took center stage. My transition into portrait photography in Indianapolis was a pivotal shift, fueled by a photography course I undertook during my undergrad school years, which was a requirement for my degree. Little did I know that this shift would ignite a passion for photography that would define my future. It was during this course that I discovered the joy of capturing images while strolling around Indiana Tech University’s dynamic campus. After earning my degree, pursuing a full graphic design career proved challenging. I decided to fuse my graphic design skills with photography, a choice that would reshape my artistic path.

With my Canon EOS Rebel T6i, I sought practice by engaging friends and family as models, gradually attracting clients, some seeking outdoor sessions while others ventured into the studio. However, the search for the perfect studio in Indy proved to be a quest in itself. My initial outreach to a local photographer went unanswered, but a pivotal opportunity arose when I joined Lifetouch as a photographer. There, I connected with a fellow photographer who owned a studio on Indianapolis’ east side. She generously shared her knowledge and studio space, providing essential insights into lighting techniques, a pivotal step in my creative growth.

The Come Up: Photography Adventures During the Pandemic

 As my photography journey unfolded, the world was hit by the pandemic, bringing its own set of challenges. Before the pandemic, my business was thriving, but it encountered a substantial dip as the world grappled with the new reality. Faced with the temporary closure of the car dealership I worked at as a photographer and the studio I relied on, I had to adapt swiftly. 

 This setback prompted me to explore alternative ways to sustain my passion. Enter TikTok, a platform that allowed me to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of my work. With this, I eventually went viral, garnering substantial followers, likes, views, and comments – a true milestone in my photography journey.  My first viral video garnered over 10K followers, 200K likes, 500K+ views, and an outpouring of supportive comments. It was a pivotal moment in my photography journey, and as Indianapolis slowly reopened, I returned to working with clients.

Throughout the pandemic and the subsequent year, I broadened my portfolio with a diverse range of clients, from birthday celebrations to holiday gatherings. However, I soon realized that to preserve my passion, I needed to define my niche. To preserve my passion for photography, I decided to focus on specific aspects of the craft that resonated with me, and in doing so, breathed new life into my portrait photography journey.

Embracing Atlanta: A New Chapter

In April 2021, my decision to move to Atlanta with my boyfriend marked a new chapter in our lives. The move was both daunting and thrilling, bringing with it a fresh start in a city teeming with opportunities and a vibrant creative community. Before the move, I bid farewell to clients, met with mixed emotions but overwhelming support for our new journey. Atlanta's vibrant landscape held the promise of new opportunities and creative growth. In this bustling city, I embarked on the task of finding a studio for my work and delved into Facebook groups for model castings to build connections within the city's thriving photography scene. 

There, I connected with a talented female photographer who not only owned a studio but was also in need of an assistant. Eager to expand my knowledge, I assumed this role, initially with enthusiasm. She admired my creativity and the fresh perspective I brought to the table. Unfortunately, our collaboration soured due to the absence of a formal contract, leading to misunderstandings and differing expectations. In the end, our professional paths diverged. Although this phase had its challenges, I remained resolute in my quest for personal photography experiences and growth.

The Now

Resilient and focused, I secured a job in retail while nurturing my creative dreams. The experience also opened my eyes to innovative ideas to benefit my workplace. While my interview for a different position within the company didn't yield the desired result, I remain dedicated to my craft and continue to achieve goals I once deemed unattainable. Throughout the year 2023, I was developing projects and taking on clients. I had the opportunity to photograph a musical artist for her new album. In October 2023, I was considered to shoot a sneaker for Adidas by the designer of the sneaker. I was very excited and honored to photograph the sneaker, especially with the store behind the sneaker. There were some days that my confidence was down for some reason. Made some mistakes in the process, but I told myself never again. I learned from any mistake that I made last year and told myself to not bring it into the next year. My journey into portrait photography in Atlanta has been a tapestry of personal experiences and photography adventures. The city's vibrant landscape has provided the backdrop for my creative evolution, and I look forward to the new stories, adventures, and challenges that lie ahead.