In my closet, on the top shelf, sit some of the most important objects in my life. These objects include a DSLR camera, a small handheld camera, and two Polaroid cameras. It amazes me that something as simple as a camera is able to freeze time and produce something that will last forever.

Photography is an art, but it doesn’t take a great artist to create a masterpiece. I’ve learned this through the amazing pictures I’ve taken throughout the years. Over the last four years, I have come to identify myself as an artist through photography. By picking up a camera, I am able to tell stories of those around me and my own story as well. I am able to express myself, including my favorite things in life and everyone who is special to me, through this art.

There wasn’t one specific day or event that opened my eyes to the world of photography. It was just something that happened over a period of time. The object that started me on the path toward the love of pictures was a clear box with a blue cover filled with pictures my mother took when I was younger. The box contained trips we have been on, family gatherings at the park, and times spent with my friends. I would laugh at a number of pictures my mother had of just me. I love the moments captured by candid pictures of people simply enjoying life. It makes me so happy to see the smiles on my friends’ faces while dancing to our favorite song as well as all of the goofy faces and the embarrassing moments made with friends.

Anytime I plan to do something with friends or just relax by the water, I have to have a camera with me. I just have to have something to capture “that moment,” like when the sky looks so gorgeous that I could stare at it all day or when my little cousin has the largest smile on his face as he is being pushed on a swing. It’s all the small moments in life that I’m able to capture with a camera, these small moments in life are the best moments, especially if they are shared with friends and family.

When hanging out with my friends, either at someone’s house or at the park, they already know what to expect. Most of the times, I am saying, “wait. I have to take a picture.” I enjoy looking back, either later that day or the next, to relive the adventure depicted in that picture. I either put that picture in one of the many folders that I have saved to my laptop, or I get it developed and add it into my photo album. I love being able to flip through the album, focus on one specific picture, and remember the events that occurred that day. I know that as long as I have that album, I will not forget all the moments that shaped me into the person I am today. Every day brings a new adventure and I will be ready with a camera in my hand to make memories that will last forever.