Ironically, I’m listening to Jay-Z’s “Moment of Clarity” on repeat as I type this.
The 7-day stretch between Christmas and the New Year is such a weird, but great time. It’s a perfect opportunity to see what worked for you and what didn’t. It can be incredibly easy to forget where you once came from as a creative. Looking back on where you once started in life, art, and business isn’t the most pleasing action in the world, but it’s often necessary.
2018 was amazing and I thank everyone that helped make it so, even if I haven’t updated this blog often (*gulp*).
However, instead of putting together a blog post that was about the year that 2018 was, this is a little different. I had to take a trip FURTHER back in time for this one. This month in particular was pretty special for me, for more reasons than one.
It marked 10 years since I got into photography for good.
Roughly ten years ago, I got into photography by rewarding myself with a used Nikon D40. This was my gift after getting by a semester at North Carolina State University with two jobs, being involved in nearly everything, and not completely passing out by December.
I also developed an itch to get back into learning photography again after taking a break from it.
There was something about picking up the camera for the first time … or also, getting into the first phases of what you’re called to do. There’s an excitement that comes about. I hadn’t felt as jovial in weeks thanks to getting back into the field.
There weren’t any thoughts of international domination, big-time gigs, and having a bomb, bonafide business like later on in life. There was, however, this feeling of wanting to create, shoot everything around me, and letting things be. It was also, at some point, my alternate way of self-care and therapy.
Excited 20-year-old me forgot to clean mirrors. 😂
“My best photo ever – so far” – my words, literally. 
Shoutout to Charlie Smarts and Tab-One of Kooley High / Inflowential (real ones know)
I had no idea at that time that I would be more involved in photography after that night I got my package via Amazon, but I’m thankful that I did.
Things have changed since then – I don’t photograph everything like I used to (thank God?). My images and expectations from day one is incredibly different from my 10th year with a camera of sorts. A lot has changed since then.
But one thing remains the same – photography has continually saved my life, and often times, my sanity. It’s continually a blessing to be able to shoot and share my vulnerabilities, gifts, and perspectives on life in the form of one image frozen in time – paid or not. The creative/art business ain’t easy.
It’s an even bigger blessing to keep shooting, even in spite of some of ebbs that come with the territory of being a creative professional. Photography hasn’t always been my getaway like I thought being in business, but I always try to make it so every now and then.
Sometimes it’s good to look back. Even if it’s just for a split second. Growth is dope. I hope that whoever reads this keeps growing going into the new year and beyond.
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