As a young child, my joy resided in the simple act of being able to witness the world around me and being outdoors as much as I could. Because of my parents, I grew up always going on some sort of adventure… from surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and more. Reflecting on how I was raised, I'm grateful for every moment. I can now recognize that each experience, both the joyful and the challenging, played an important role in shaping who I am today. Challenges are what mold us into who we are meant to be.

UNTAMED

YOUTH

 When I was transitioning into life as a young teen, I had little confidence in anything I did. My pursuits often led me to question my capabilities, causing me to wrestle with uncertainties about my potential. I was faced with an overwhelming amount of darkness and insecurities. I drew myself away from the people around me and believed no one would notice. I was convinced that my internal struggles would go unseen. It came to the point where I didn't see any purpose in my life. I recall a specific night when I felt more than hopeless. I felt like I would never be myself again. As these thoughts ran their course, I began to look at pictures of my family and friends and was instantly filled with so much thankfulness and comfort. Seeing those pictures may have saved my life!

Later that year, I was given my first camera as a Christmas gift. From then on my camera became a constant companion, capturing countless moments. Being a nostalgic person, I love how photographs transport me back to moments I thought were lost in time. They allow me to remember, and to feel again. 

It’s been over three years since I met the photographer who is now my boyfriend, Nate Cox. Almost immediately, I paid attention to his artistic process day after day. I observed his process from start to finish, from the snap of the photo to the final edits. This elevated my skills and defined my style. Inevitably, my interest became my passion.

Since then, I have been on an endless journey of growth to navigate the fine line between pursuing photography as a personal passion and taking it on as a career. At first, I was unprepared for the pressure and expectations that come with marrying the two together. Every press of the shutter became weighted with the question, “Am I good enough?” This mindset drained the fun out of photography, so much so that I took a break from picking up the camera.

After some time, I became aware becoming successful and fulfilling your life purpose is not always the same. My time away from photography became a reset. Reflecting on this time, I can see that it was necessary to remind me of why I fell in love with photography in the first place. I learned that the pressure to succeed and make a living from one's passion should never overshadow your joy for your art. Now, I see photography for the moments it captures, the incredible people I encounter, the opportunity to explore new corners of the world, and the simple joy it brings me. 

As for my future, I feel the uncertainty of where photography will take me. I don’t have all the answers, but I have my trust in God, who has shown His goodness to me over and over again. I have complete faith that he will continue to lead me, revealing the desires of my heart, fostering the growth of my passions, and opening doors to new opportunities. In living for our passions, let us sidestep the trap of comparison and the world's pressures and instead find strength and inspiration in our unique journeys, and the joy that comes from pursuing what truly inspires every one of us.