It was my junior year of high school and I was unhappy. Something inside me just didn’t feel right. I felt as if I wasn’t myself, I was lost, and I wasn’t living up to my fullest potential. So one day my friends asked if I would photograph them. I had gotten a nice camera the previous Christmas so I thought why not and off we went.

You could tell one of the girls was much more self conscious than the other. She was naturally stunning so she easily looked beautiful in every photograph. So when it all was done I showed her the photographs. Her eyes lit up in awe and she had finally saw the beauty everyone else did. This moment changed my life forever. I realized I had the ability to give someone self-love through my camera lens.

So, my life did a complete 180. My plan prior to all of this was to become a marine biologist and live on some island. I had NEVER thought about becoming a photographer. From the day I had taken photos of my friends, all I had been able to think about was photography. I asked everyone I knew to photograph them. I would sit on Youtube all night trying to learn more about my camera and how to use it. I put my heart and soul into bettering myself, and it finally paid off.

About a month later I was offered money for my service of photography. I began receiving a commission while doing something I loved. Then finally at 16 I had created my own photography business.

It was a crazy whirlwind of events. I just cannot emphasize enough how unexpected I had found the thing I am most passionate about. I could not be happier at the place I am in my life. My business is better than ever. This weekend I am being flown to South Carolina to photograph a wedding. Last month a photograph of mine was published in College and High School Best Photography.

I’m also currently working with girls doing photo-shoots having to do with self confidence, feminism, and rape culture. Now, I’m furthering my dreams at Robert Morris University studying communications and photography. As I said, life is so amazing.

Photography has changed my life in so many ways that I didn’t think was possible. It has made me hardworking and determined. I have gained confidence to be myself through my work. It gives me an escape from the real world. It let’s me express myself, my views, and who I am through ways I didn’t think were possible. It has given me opportunities I didn’t think were possible at my age.

There is something out there for everyone. In every one of us there is something that sets our soul on fire. A passion that will drive you to be the most incredible version of yourself possible. We all have a purpose here on this planet and it’s your job to find yours. I’ll leave you with this, “Purpose is the reason you journey. Passion is the fire that lights your way (unknown).”