My first camera really wasn’t anything special, just a small red point and shoot that I received as a birthday gift. But to this day, I can recall using that camera to take the photo that hooked me on photography. Our backyard was sprawled with beautiful maples, and at the right angles, summertime light would illuminate the leaves from behind. I would walk in the yard looking for something worth capturing, and ended up capturing those leaves. It wasn’t anything National Geographic worthy, but the pride and joy I felt in taking that photo was addicting, and is the feeling I’ve been chasing ever since.

While I’ve moved on from point and shoot, I am just as passionate today about taking images that capture a feeling. Whether it is the warmth of someone you love, a soothing afternoon on the coast, or a moody hike in the woods, preserving that moment is an honor.