Photography resonates with me because I am able to capture fleeting moments. Taking a picture freezes a moment in time, allowing it to be looked back on forever, and there is something very poetic about that. I love exploring identity, nature, and memory through light, composition, and texture, holding deeply personal experiences not just for me but for others as well. I tend to start with observation: places I have been, how a scene makes me feel, and what it makes me think.  

In my photos, I see working predominantly with natural light as a strength. It adds to the special, candid feel of them as well as provides a more engaging scene for the viewers. As a weakness, I tend to limit myself based on where I am. If it is somewhere I am familiar with, it is hard to inspire myself and think I can take captivating pictures. However, I plan to work hard to overcome that mindset and push myself out of my comfort zone in familiar places. 

I would dare to say analog photography has been the biggest method and practice in my photos. I have learned to enlarge my photos myself. Analog has also helped me be more intentional with my photos; I slow down and really think about what I am shooting. It has also significantly helped with my skill development, especially since the light meter in my camera is broken. It’s been a challenge, but also a learning lesson, helping me really grasp how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO work together in an image. Annie Leibovitz is a modern photographer who has also helped me on my photography journey. When I was younger, I was gifted her masterclass, where she taught about working with natural light, composition, and developing concepts. While my work is not visually similar to hers, I have held onto her teachings to this point