30 isn’t as old as I once thought—it feels more like coming home to myself, during early childhood.


Turning 30 has been a chance for reflection—for both my life and my work as a portrait and wedding photographer. Over the past five years, I’ve been reconnecting with my inner child, rediscovering the curiosity, playfulness, and joy that first drew me to art. And what better time to reflect on childhood than at 30, the “first true adult” years—though, honestly, is anyone ever truly an adult? For the majority, it's our first time living.

Running a photography business comes with its own challenges, especially for someone like me who lives with chronic anxiety and Pure OCD. Making appointments, calling clients, or even ordering food on the phone can be difficult. Yet, I’ve spent 20 years honing my skills, not just in photography, but socially and emotionally, to build a business that thrives on connection. Being confident, approachable, and patient behind the camera is essential, because most people don’t love being photographed. I make it easier, more comfortable, and even fun.


Over the past 20 years, I’ve honed my skills not just as a photographer, but socially and emotionally. I’ve built a business I’m proud of, all on my own (with some help from my grandma during tax season, of course). From self-portraits to 3am drag shows, small weddings to big weddings, and now expanding into photo and video, my business grows and evolves just like I do. And the best part? I’m finally in a place to bring in friends to help me, and also support them through it. That’s a milestone worth celebrating.


Along the way, I’ve done a lot of inner work. I can honestly say I’m happy with who I am today, though I still cringe at the mistakes I’ve made as a person, partner, and human. But we all do. The important thing is the people who stuck around, who come back, see the progress I’ve made—and appreciate the person I’ve become and will become. Because we are ever changing, never the same.


This year’s birthday shoot is a self-portrait series celebrating childhood joy. It’s simple, playful, and centered around the toys and memories that bring me nostalgia. There’s no pressure for perfection, no need to create a “grand” image on my birthday itself. I can explore, create, and share this work whenever it feels right. The point isn’t to outdo myself, it’s to keep making, keep experimenting, and keep finding joy in the process. (And I actually have to keep reminding myself this over and over again because I even said to my partner the other night "I feel like I constantly need to one up myself and showcase all my hard work and skills I've learned over the years, and if I dont then I must be a fraud right?)

As a conceptual self-portrait artist at heart, I explore both light and dark emotions in my photography. Last year, I marked my birthday with a darker, macabre-inspired shoot, complete with candles, balloons, and a bag over my head. This year, I wanted something different: a lighter, more nostalgic self-portrait series celebrating childhood joy. Simple, playful, and centered around the toys and memories that shaped me, this shoot reminded me that creativity isn’t about perfection, it’s about exploration, growth, and joy.


Most of the time my self portraits are shot alone. Running back and forth from the camera, ALMOST making the shot but an eye was closed to I have to run back and set up again and again. (The balloon set-up was infuriating and I dont even know if I like it still) while others I have friends along, like with the candle and bag shoot from last year. (Thank you Sam).


I still am struggling with self image, even through these wonderful years of growth. So standing in front of the camera lately has been hard, but I crave it. So I'll do it and I mostly show the triumphs but these new images may be a flop in my eyes and not yours. It's also good to show the struggle because I know with social media we all tend to curate a specific image. Sure these are still considered "winning" images and I have others that didn't make it but I like to be a little transparent and say I dont love them. (see right below last years images)

Turning 30 has been an opportunity to reflect, celebrate change, and reconnect with the parts of myself I sometimes forget. I’ve learned that adulthood isn’t about perfection, it’s about curiosity, creativity, and learning to honor your own journey. And if you’re looking for a photographer who understands growth, vulnerability, and the beauty of imperfection, I’d love to work with you, because I’ve spent 20 years honing my skills, not just in photography, but socially and emotionally, to build a business that thrives on connection.


I am not perfect; I myself can be shy in front of the camera, but I know what I’m doing, and I’m proud of the work I create. Being confident, approachable, and patient behind the camera is essential, because most people don’t love being photographed. I make it easier, more comfortable, and even fun.


We are just people, hanging out, enjoying life, and getting some cool photographs out of it.


I even took some photos of my favorite and most memorable childhood toys. Ash from Pokemon, a Mighty Ducks player, and the Red Power Ranger. These toys hold immense nostalgia for me and having them back in my possession after browsing eBay, is fueling me with joy. I recommend not getting rid of your child's toys until they are in their 20's to decide. Especially their Pokemon cards from the 90's.