In January 2019, I embarked on an epic adventure by leaving my job at the RDU airport to chase my true passion: photography. And oh boy, did my journey take me to incredible places! Let me take you back to that exhilarating day when I booked a flight plan to LA, with an electrifying 11-hour layover in the vibrant city of Denver!
DENVER
With my trusty Canon 70D in hand, I hit the ground running in downtown Denver, ready to capture the soul of the city through my lens. As I strolled along the bustling streets, I stumbled upon a captivating mall, adorned with a sign that beckoned, “Best view of Denver.” Little did I know that this sign was hiding a mischievous secret, leading me to another sign that simply proclaimed, “Denver.” The irony and quirkiness of the moment infused my journey with a thrilling sense of discovery.
As my shutter clicked away, capturing the pulse of the city, hunger gnawed at my stomach, and I found myself irresistibly drawn to the tantalizing aromas emanating from a cluster of food trucks. With a line forming in front of a particular truck, curiosity piqued, I decided to dive headfirst into the flavors of the Far East. The anticipation was palpable as I waited to sample the tantalizing fusion of Japanese and Chinese cuisine.
Alas, my taste buds were in for a surprise. The first bite of the Thai Pad dish sent shockwaves through my senses, not in a good way. It was an explosion of flavors that clashed and collided, overwhelming my palate. Determined not to let this culinary setback dampen my spirits, I sought solace in a nearby bar.
Stepping into the welcoming ambiance of the bar, I surrendered to the sizzling temptation of a pepper jack burger, its juicy perfection melting in my mouth. And what better way to wash it down than with a lip-smacking, tangy lemon-lime margarita? Each sip ignited a burst of zesty pleasure, setting my taste buds ablaze with delight. The contrast between the disappointing Thai Pad and the triumphant redemption of the burger and margarita added an exhilarating twist to my gastronomic escapade.
Throughout this thrilling layover, my Canon 70D became an extension of my vision, capturing the essence of Denver’s charm, from its magnetic streets to its lively soul. And when the time came to bid farewell to the Mile High City, I carried with me a trove of vibrant images, ready to be transformed into masterpieces with the magical touch of Snapseed and the captivating filters of VSCO Grid.
But this was just the beginning of my journey. From Denver, my adventure propelled me forward to Atlanta, where new wonders awaited, and eventually to the sun-kissed embrace of Miami, where I reunited with my beloved family.
In the realm of chasing my passion and embarking on daring escapades, this layover in Denver was a thrilling chapter, igniting my senses and fueling my creative fire. The twists and turns, the unexpected disappointments and the triumphant discoveries, all woven together in a tapestry of excitement that fueled my love for photography.
LOS ANGELES
In the vibrant heart of downtown Los Angeles, my journey took an electrifying turn. With the captivating allure of Venice Beach calling my name, I set off on a thrilling adventure, brimming with anticipation and a touch of urban grit.
But before immersing myself in the bohemian spirit of Venice Beach, I couldn’t resist a detour to the legendary Supreme store. With its iconic streetwear and a pulse that resonated with the beat of the city, Supreme became the first stop on my exhilarating escapade.
As I strolled along the sun-kissed streets towards Santa Monica, an unexpected encounter transformed my day into an unforgettable rendezvous of creativity and connection. Two extraordinary photographers, Josh and Anthony, crossed my path, their cameras poised to capture the essence of life’s fleeting moments. In a serendipitous dance of destiny, they asked to photograph me, and in return, I eagerly seized the opportunity to immortalize their vibrant souls through my lens.
With newfound camaraderie, our bonds forged in the pursuit of visual storytelling, we ventured forth, fueled by shared passion and insatiable curiosity. Amidst the backdrop of the mesmerizing beach, our cameras became extensions of our hearts, capturing the vibrant energy that ebbed and flowed along the coast. Each shutter click was a testament to our unyielding dedication to preserving the ephemeral beauty of human expression.
But this encounter was more than a mere photoshoot. It was a pivotal moment of revelation, a glimpse into the secrets of the craft that ignited a flame of inspiration within me. In the golden glow of the Californian sun, my newfound friends imparted their wisdom, unveiling the subtle yet transformative power of framing a portrait vertically. As the realization dawned upon me, my passion for capturing the essence of people deepened, fueled by the knowledge that in the bustling streets of LA, photographers had the potential to command thousands of dollars for their soul-stirring portrait sessions.
This revelation set my creative spirit ablaze, igniting an insatiable hunger to continue capturing the raw beauty of individuals, freezing their souls in a timeless vertical frame. I felt the pulsating energy of the city intertwine with my own, propelling me forward into a realm of endless possibilities and artistic expression.
As the sun began its descent, painting the sky with vibrant hues, we savored a well-deserved meal, nourishing both body and soul. Energized and invigorated, we embarked on a photographic odyssey, our lenses capturing the kaleidoscope of emotions that danced along the shoreline. Each click of the shutter brought us closer to the essence of our subjects, immortalizing their stories and etching them into the tapestry of visual art.
In the boundless realm of Los Angeles, where dreams come to life and creativity ignites like wildfire, I discovered not only the technical nuances of a horizontal versus vertical shot but also a profound yearning to continue my voyage as a portrait photographer. The echoes of whispered aspirations reverberated within me, and the city itself became my muse, urging me to push the boundaries of my craft and unravel the infinite possibilities that lay before me.
With the thrilling energy of Los Angeles coursing through my veins, I vowed to chase my passion with unyielding fervor, armed with the knowledge that every portrait I capture holds the power to transcend time and leave an indelible mark on the world.
ATLANTA
Atlanta, the dynamic city that beckoned me with its irresistible charm, became a captivating interlude to my photographic odyssey. As a native of North Carolina, the bustling streets of Atlanta seemed to mirror the vibrant spirit of my beloved Charlotte, only amplified to epic proportions.
In this urban wonderland, I discovered a tapestry of unique experiences and encountered a community whose warmth and hospitality surpassed all expectations. The locals welcomed me with open arms, embracing my journey and igniting a sense of camaraderie that permeated the very air I breathed.
While Atlanta offered a myriad of visually stunning locations to capture, my artistic sensibilities yearned for more than empty landscapes devoid of a human touch. I craved the interplay of life, emotion, and the enigmatic beauty that comes alive when a subject is in frame. So, upon the recommendation of a captivating acquaintance, I found myself wandering towards Edgewood, a pulsating strip of bars that promised an immersive experience.
Stepping into the vibrant realm of Edgewood, my senses were tantalized by the sights, sounds, and the promise of delightful libations. In search of a perfectly crafted drink, I approached the bartender, bracing myself for the usual barrage of questions and uncertainties that often accompanied my requests. But this time, the bartender’s expertise shone brightly, leaving me in awe of her skill and finesse.
With a knowing smile, I divulged my fondness for vodka, entrusting her with the task of concocting a libation that would awaken my taste buds. And oh, the masterpiece she delivered! A lemon-lime elixir, perfectly balanced and teeming with delectable nuances, cascaded down my throat, leaving me craving for more. In that moment, I celebrated the bartenders who possess the rare gift of understanding and effortlessly creating liquid poetry.
In Atlanta, a city that hummed with its unique rhythm, I embraced the harmony of flavors, the captivating energy of its denizens, and the vibrant tapestry of sights that unfolded before my eyes. While my stay in Atlanta may not have been filled with grand adventures, it was a precious interlude, a reminder of the diverse tapestry of experiences that make each city shine in its own remarkable way.
As I bid farewell to Atlanta, I carried with me the memories of friendly encounters, the electrifying ambiance of Edgewood, and the lingering taste of that extraordinary lemon-lime concoction. This chapter of my journey reminded me that even in the midst of familiarity, there is always room for surprises, for moments of pure delight that elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary.
MIAMI
Miami, a vibrant playground of sun, sea, and endless possibilities, beckoned me with its siren call. As I delved into the heart of this captivating city, I discovered that Miami was more than just a cool place to hang out, eat, and shop—it was a kaleidoscope of experiences that set my spirit ablaze.
My childhood memories of visiting family in the Fort Lauderdale area added an extra layer of nostalgia to my Miami escapade. The allure of South Beach, a magnet for tourists seeking a slice of paradise, beckoned me with its turquoise waters and pulsating energy. But amidst the throngs of visitors, I found myself drawn to the authentic essence that lay hidden beneath the surface.
While strolling along the sun-kissed shores of South Beach, chance encounters unfolded, and unexpected connections blossomed. The rhythm of the city harmonized with the beat of my heart as I immortalized the vibrant souls I met through the lens of my camera. Each portrait captured a story, a glimpse into the tapestry of humanity that breathed life into the vibrant backdrop of Miami.
Eager to explore beyond the tourist hotspots, I ventured into the heart of downtown Miami and the bustling district of Brickell. Here, amidst the urban symphony, a treasure trove of shops and boutiques awaited my discovery. Each step was an invitation to immerse myself in the vibrant culture that pulsed through the city’s veins, indulging my senses and igniting my artistic spirit.
Yet, amidst the excitement, a realization struck me with newfound clarity. Though I had mastered shooting in manual mode, the enigma of backlighting eluded me. It was as if the sun itself conspired to challenge my understanding of light and shadow. But Miami, with its radiant energy, became the perfect backdrop for a revelation.
In a moment of inspiration, I discovered the art of placing my subjects on the correct side of the sun. No longer would my images be backlit, with the subject obscured by the brilliance of the light. Instead, I learned to wield the sun as a powerful ally, guiding my subjects to stand on the opposite side of a walkway, bathed in the gentle embrace of perfect illumination.
This revelation infused my photography with a newfound magic, transforming the way I captured moments forever. Miami became the canvas upon which I painted with light, harnessing the sun’s brilliance to elevate my portraits from mere images to mesmerizing works of art.
RALEIGH
Upon my triumphant return, a newfound passion ignited within me, fueled by the exhilarating experiences I had encountered on my journey. But it wasn’t just photography that consumed my thoughts—it was the pulsating energy of a project car, a vehicular masterpiece waiting to be brought to life.
As I delved into the realm of automotive artistry, every moment spent tinkering, fine-tuning, and transforming my project car became an electrifying adventure. The smell of motor oil and the hum of engines resonated with the beat of my heart, as I poured my soul into every detail, crafting a vehicle that would be a testament to my boundless creativity and unwavering dedication.
But photography remained a constant companion, an art form that intertwined seamlessly with my automotive endeavors. As I embarked on this new chapter, I sought to expand my repertoire, honing my skills through captivating portrait sessions. No longer content with editing on my phone, I embraced the limitless possibilities offered by Lightroom, delving into its vast array of tools and unleashing a symphony of colors, contrasts, and textures that breathed life into my images.
The journey didn’t stop there, as I yearned to push the boundaries of my craft even further. A new frontier awaited me—retouching photos, a practice that allowed for meticulous fine-tuning and polishing of each captured moment. With every stroke of the digital brush, I sought to accentuate the inherent beauty of my subjects, highlighting their unique features while maintaining the authenticity that made them shine.
Yet, as time unfolded, a shift in my artistic sensibilities occurred. I found myself drawn to subjects who celebrated their natural features, embracing their individuality without the need for extensive retouching. Makeup became a tool to enhance their already radiant beauty, covering minor imperfections while allowing their true essence to shine through.
Gone were the days of excessive retouching, replaced by a preference for authenticity and celebrating the raw, unfiltered beauty that resides within each person. A subtle adjustment here, a minor blemish removed there, ensuring that the subject’s confidence and true self always took center stage.
In this thrilling evolution of my craft, I discovered that the real magic lay not in transforming my subjects, but in capturing their spirit and unearthing the essence that makes them extraordinary. It became a dance of trust and collaboration, as I invited individuals to step into the spotlight, their natural features adorned with gentle touches that accentuated their inherent allure.
