So I have a tendency to take crazy risks and do things that put me into serious skills critique such as international photography competitions, or photographing a performer when I am on vacation at their request. Many times when I jump in head first I am only thinking of the now, of the amazing photos I am getting the opportunity to create or test my skills against people from all over the world. Very rarely am I thinking into the future and how these crazy things can build my portfolio, business name, or my own personal resume.

About two years ago, probably a few months after I announced I would be working on a rodeo collective photography book I woke in the middle of the night with a title. A NAME. An adventure to work on. I snatched up my phone and opened up the notes app and took down the name, back to sleep I went. Of course in the morning I still remembered which surprised me, but I had no real plans to act on the name at that time.

It was possibly a month later when I had a vivid dream putting an image to the name that had come to me prior. Of course it took multiple tries before I was able to bring that vision to life but it prompted me to purchase a notebook and start recording thought, memories and events relevant to a dream that had happen months prior.

So what is this new crazy idea/project I have spent two years just doing prep work for? I have decided to write a memoir about the last decade I spent as a photographer. My start, my struggles, my adventures, what I have learned, camera tips and tricks and much more.

At first it started with the name of the book, then a cover came to mind, and then a notebook with 288 blank pages slow filled up front and back. An outline was created, numerous biographies and memoirs read for writing styles and ideas of my own preference in the genre. An idea, a dream is slowly and surely becoming reality.

I have started writing out the chapters, putting my thoughts and experiences down on paper between photoshoots, editing, and my job at the bookstore. I don’t even know truly when I will finish the endeavor, but this is more to keep me motivated and speak it into existence. I am writing a memoir. I am writing my first book. I am nervous, I doubt people will want to read it, but years of work is coming together and even if it is just for me I am proud of what I am doing.

I can’t wait until my first memoir under the working title Glass Eyes: A Photographers Journey is ready for you all to read, to experience my journey on this awesome path to becoming a professional photographer.

As Always Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay Six feet Apart.