I was talking with someone today who reminded me how blessed I am to do something I love so much.   

Every evening when I walk out of my studio, I take a deep breath and soak it all in the walls that have held laughter, the floors that have supported the tiny feet of toddlers now grown, and the light that has illuminated countless smiles. For over 20 years, I have had the incredible privilege of being a full time professional photographer. I have watched newborns turn into high school seniors, watched my wedding clients have babies, captured love in every stage of life, and preserved memories that will last a lifetime. And every single day, I am reminded of just how lucky I am.

But luck alone didn't build this legacy. Loving your job is a gift, but success in any field takes dedication, sacrifice, and resilience. When I started out, I had no idea how much passion and persistence it would take to build a thriving photography business. Long hours, missed family events, late nights editing, and early mornings preparing for sessions...all of it became part of the journey.

There were times I doubted myself, times when the workload felt overwhelming, and times when balancing business and family seemed impossible. But through it all, my love for this art, for my clients, and for the fleeting moments I get to freeze in time kept me moving forward.

Now, after more than two decades, I can say with absolute certainty that every long day, every sacrificed weekend, and every bit of hard work has been worth it. Not everyone gets to say they truly love what they do, and I don't take that for granted for a single moment.  I didn't get it all right...but I got this right.  This career, this space for keeping memories, I did it right.

My clients, some of whom I've photographed from infancy to adulthood are the reason I keep going. I have had the honor of capturing generations of families, of seeing children grow and parents tear up at the images of their little ones. I have laughed with them, cried with them and shared in their joys as well as their sorrows.  My clients are more than a number, more than the reason I'm still here.  Many of them have become friends that I love and cherish. 

If there's one thing I've learned it's that your career is more than just a paycheck, it's a huge part of your life. Finding something you love, something that fulfills you, makes all the difference. Of course, no job is perfect, and every career has its challenges. But when you have passion, when you pour your heart into your work, it becomes more than just a job, it becomes a legacy.  This is my legacy and one I'm proud to call mine.  

To those who are still searching for that thing that lights them up, don't settle. It's not always easy, and it takes effort to turn passion into a career, but I can promise you if you can run through the fear...it's worth it.

To my clients, my friends, and my family who have supported me on this journey, thank you. I am beyond grateful for the last 20 years, and I look forward to many more years of capturing the moments that matter most.

Cheers to doing what you love in life!  Here are some oldies....but goodies from the last 20.