Personal Projects

As a professional photographer, so much of what I create is centered around my clients—their stories, their milestones, their businesses, and their families.

But as an artist, I also think it’s important to create simply for the sake of creating.

Once a month—or sometimes every few months—I try to carve out a few hours for a personal project. I choose a theme, select a subject or product, and give myself the freedom to experiment with lighting, composition, and technique without worrying about anything other than the final image.

A few months ago, my subject was especially meaningful: my very first camera, a Penmax YN-3. It was a 35mm film camera that I received when I was just 12 years old. What makes it even more sentimental is that it was given to me by my dad’s photography teacher and good friend.

Long before digital cameras, instant previews, Lightroom, or Photoshop, this little camera was part of the beginning of my journey in photography.

For this particular personal project, my theme was “Creating Shadow.”

Rather than trying to eliminate shadows, I wanted to intentionally place them—controlling the light so the shadow became an important part of the composition itself. It was an exercise in seeing light differently and reminding myself that sometimes what we choose not to illuminate can be just as important as what we do.

There was something pretty special about using everything I’ve learned over the years to photograph the camera that was there when I was just beginning to learn.

Sometimes personal projects are about experimenting.

Sometimes they're about challenging yourself.

And sometimes they're a reminder of exactly where the journey began. 📷