As a kid I always wanted to be a lawyer. I always thought about solving cases, going to trial and putting the ‘bad’ people in prison. I felt like I would be a total super hero doing this. As I grew up, my dream changed. However, I never thought of being a professional photographer. I didn’t even own a camera.

When I was about 14 years old I took my dad’s old camera. I was excited to learn. I started with the basics on YouTube and I was practicing a lot, and by a lot I mean taking pictures of every single object in front of me. Yes, even my mother’s decorations on the dining table.

At that time, I had a cousin who was expecting her first child. I immediately told her about doing a photoshoot, and I was so happy when she accepted. If you’re wondering if I’m showing off these pictures – the answer is heck-no! I want to stay in business.

I’m kidding… Here it goes…. drum roll…

Okay please, do not judge me. At that time, that was the best picture I could’ve taken and I was so proud of it.

Today, I am happy where I am as a photographer. There have been moments that I felt shattered and lost, but those just made me a better person. Sometimes I felt like giving up. But I have learned something. Life pushes all of us around. Some give up. Others fight. A few learn the lesson and move on. They welcome life pushing them around. To these few people, it means they need and want to learn something. Give yourself the permission to succeed and yes, to fail. Mistakes make us who we are, we learn to walk by falling down. If we never fell down, we would have never walked.

Have a beautiful week!