The Moment I Discovered Portraiture

When I first started taking portraits, I had no idea where the journey would lead. It all began as a fun way to capture the people around me—my friends and coworkers. One day, I set up to photograph Carrin, one of the English teachers at the school where I teach in San Diego. She simply stood in front of a small, portable whiteboard she often used in class, and without much planning, we used it as a backdrop.

I snapped a few shots and later did some light editing in Snapseed. When I looked at the final image, I was floored. The photo had an artsy, professional quality I hadn’t expected.

It was the first time I thought, Hey, I might be on to something here. I might be kind of good at this.

Carrin’s trust in me to capture a part of who she is made all the difference.

That portrait wasn’t just an image; it was a spark.

Since then, I’ve been on an exciting creative path, learning and growing as a photographer. I’m so grateful to Carrin for being part of that pivotal moment. Her portrait reminds me that every photograph is a collaboration and a chance to see someone in a new light. DTP