Finding your creative spark a bit later…

I was always the sporty type. Basketball was my sport of choice. I’m often told a story that I picked up a basketball at 3 years old and didn’t put it down my whole childhood. Which is probably true. I was sort of obsessed, to be honest. Shaquille O’Neal was the only doll my grandma could buy me when I was a kid. I was THAT kid.

Me in 6th grade playing basketball for my youth team

I am from a very small town in Upstate NY. To be anything in that town, you had to be a jock. If you weren’t on some sports team, then you were left behind. That kind of thing was very much instilled in me. Thankfully, I had a bit of talent to go with it, so it worked out nicely.

What I was scared to ever show was my love of visuals. I always wanted to be an artist of some kind. I loved art museums, paintings, graffiti, photography, and films. OBSESSED with films! Cinematography, in particular, is what has always got me excited. I was always watching movies and interested in who was the director/cinematographer. Unfortunately, you can’t really talk to your classmates about your obsession with David Fincher’s choices in Se7en. It was definitely way easier to chat about Kobe Bryant and Lebron James.

So, alas, I was the ripe age of 28 before I allowed myself to get into photography in a major way. When I found that camera and went out for a wander, it changed my life forever. It was as if I found this thing that had been missing my whole life. Now I love capturing moments, chatting to all who will listen about cinematographers I adore, artists who are influencing my work, and how sports AND art are such beautiful outlets for human beings.

Always hiding behind the lens

So if you’re one of those folks who felt like me, a person who didn’t have permission to extend themselves beyond what others expected—do the thing! Even if it scares you. Even if you haven’t a clue what you are doing! I promise you that it is worth it. 😊

Til next time…

T<3