My Great Friend, Kenny.......
My brother, I never got the chance to really thank you for what you’ve done for me. I just want to say thank you, for being my friend, but also for being a mentor, and someone that I looked up to in my career. You really had faith and believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. As I look back not just on my career but my life in a dark time I was experiencing, you were a part of that support for me to overcome adversity in my life.
I remember one time we fell out with each other because we both were very competitive and idiots for getting mad at each other. I am happy that we hugged it out and made amends because we both knew that our friendship was more important than a stupid volleyball lineup lol. But at that moment I was able to tell you that you are my brother always and the friendship we shared is something I will never forget and cherish til the end of time.
You touched so many people throughout your time here and this is my way of saying thank you for being a friend, for being a brother, and for being there for not just me, but for everyone. I love you, bro.
Until we meet again, my friend. You are missed by many. We love you, Kenny.
Born To Enjoy Life (Raku Portrait Session)
This past weekend I had a wonderful opportunity to work with a very unique and creative individual, Raku. She had this vision and gave me the opportunity to share the experience with her. Once we found our location I was a bit nervous due to people being around but she zoned out into her creative process and I was lucky to be there to capture and experience it with her.
I learned quite a bit from this photoshoot that I am thankful for. This experience gave me the confidence to step into the realm of pursuing portrait photography full steam but also this gave me the mindset to forget about other peoples affirmations and thoughts but to just do you no matter who’s looking or watching. Have the courage to create no matter the situation, location, or those around spectating. It’s perfect to be unique and different……..LIVE FREE!!!
Thoughts Before the Getaway
It's been a while since I posted a blog or wrote in my journal. Going back looking over my entries brings back those emotions and memories during that time.
So much has happened since my last post where do I start? I got a new job, got promoted, completed my bachelors degree, upgraded camera……. and I'm still not satisfied. Even though things have been going well lately I still feel like something is missing which calls for the perfect time to go home to see family and friends.
Some of my tech travel carry for my upcoming trip back to the states.
It's been almost 3 years since I've been home due to work and COVID. I'm excited for this trip!! Also, I'm linking up with one of my great friends in Colorado to shoot and document our adventures there which should be motivating especially when it comes to creating. I can't wait to see what we come up with during this collaboration. This is going to be a great get away from work and life just for a little bit.
Letter To My Younger Self: Part 1
What's up young buck !?! As you read this letter I want to personally let you know that the times you're experiencing now are truly missed. Don't take these times for granted, live it up to the max. From playing sideline pop football to marching in the high school band, when you reach my age that life will be missed everyday. The current career I have now is stressful but due to being away from your family, home, and constantly wondering if you’re doing enough. Listen to your parents as they don’t want you to go through what they went through or are experiencing. There will be a time that you might decide not to talk to your dad for a few weeks over a hard decision he wasn’t sure he could do. Trust me, during those weeks tell him that you love him as he is trying his best to make you happy. Love him everyday even when you're upset. He's been through a lot. You've even witnessed some of it. You're the reason why he decided to be resilient. Continue to support him and show how much you love and appreciate him. There will be a time you won't be able to. Don't take this time for granted.
All good things come to an end including time. With that said, live every moment like it's your last starting now. Don't care what others say or think. Don't take life for granted and don't quit. Tackle life early and never doubt yourself. Understand that you will fail but the beauty in it all is how you learn from that shortfall and then bounce back stronger than ever. Your parents, believe it or not, they are in your corner and wants you to be the best version of yourself. Listen to them when they speak, learn from them when they teach. Even though they are your superheroes, God will need them too someday. So cherish every minute, every hour, and every day with them as their love for you will be one of the greatest you've ever experienced.
Journey Through Kyoto
Thanksgiving weekend I got the chance to travel to Kyoto, Japan with my great friend Joshiro. Needless to say, the Kyoto experience blew us away. The area was so peaceful and enriched with history and beauty.
KYOTO
Japan
I would always see Kyoto in movies such as “Memoirs of a Geisha” or from other content creators on social media. Getting the opportunity to experience first hand Fushimi Inari-taisha and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest along with other historic areas of Kyoto was breathtaking. Another part of Japanese culture and history that is astonishing to witness. Three days wasn't enough but I was able to capture so much. I'm definitely planning a trip in the future explore more areas and experiences of Kyoto.
Back On Track
Wow, what a week!! The base exercise with homework assignments due really had me off mentally. On top of that, a week of feeling under the weather not knowing what was going on with my body. Having back pains non muscle related threw me in a limbo. These pains had me weak and not wanting to do much of anything. I called in for an appointment but with COVID measures at the hospital I have to go through a series of phone and virtual apportionments before being seen by my primary care manager......damn you corona, damn you.
I did the worst thing someone can ever do and that’s reference google your symptoms. Please, if you’re reading this, don’t ever do that, trust me on this one. One thing I did resort to was drinking nothing but water, watching what I ate and getting adequate rest. This alone made a huge difference!! This made me realize that I have to watch my health especially at the age I’m at now. I’m not as active as I used to be which is a shame and I need to change that. I used to hike, trail run, travel, obstacle course race, and play tons of volleyball. I have to get back on track during this COVID era. Back on track being active and back on track being creative, even if it’s me doing it by myself......no excuses, no relying on others. You only live once, live that shit to the fullest and do it healthy.
Consistency.....Supply Yourself To Supply Your Wealth
One thing I have always struggled with throughout my photography journey was consistency. Being consistent in challenging myself creatively, going out to the field, learning, and just getting back to the basics of this craft. Recently I have been getting out and shooting daily and it feels good to have content to edit as well as identify inconsistencies….Putting in work!!!!
Being consistent takes dedication and discipline. Challenging oneself to accept failing in order to learn and become better. I am going to continue to challenge myself in being consistent and I challenge you as well to be consistent with whatever your passion is. Supply yourself to supply your wealth.