Growing up, I was a more reserved and shy fellow, and often expected too much of myself, cared too much about what others thought, and got buried in things out of my control. Fortunately, however, things tend to change over time, I came to learn. I eventually found the thing that helped me to be comfortable. That was photography. Sophomore year, I was hesitant to start because I wasn’t a big fan of confrontation. But I eventually put some thought into it.
My friends finally convinced me to go to one of our high school basketball games to photograph the team. I went out to the game, expecting nothing from the years of high school I had ahead of me. That singular game showed me what the emotion portrayed through sports and photography could do for people, ultimately showing me that my pictures mattered not just to me but to others as well. Over the next year or so, I began upgrading and learning more about photography. That led to compliments, having people ask me to take their pictures, and being put in people’s posts. I began to realize that with every picture, I was building confidence and finding a more genuine version of myself. That one game helped me see more than through a lens; it helped me through my teenage years, allowing me to find a truer version of myself and get where I am today.
Photography was my guide, helping me create memories. Those friends who pushed me to go out and take pictures for that game, whether they realized it or not, changed my future forever. I’ve learned that stepping into uncomfortable situations can lead to growth and help discover parts of yourself you didn’t know existed. Photography helped me navigate my high school years and find an honest version of myself. Encouragement from friends and the confidence I built taught me that a real version of yourself is sometimes just outside your comfort zone. What started as my hobby has grown into a passion. It’s a passion that I hope to turn into a career, and I look forward to capturing moments, inspiring others, and discovering more about myself along the way as I take my talents with me to Mizzou, where I plan to do sports photography. I encourage those who feel similar to how I did when I was younger to just put yourself out there, and you may also come to find new and improved versions of you and your life you never may have thought was possible.
