HOW I FOUND PHOTOGRAPHY 3/27/16

The Idea of writing my first blog… It’s a bit weird for me. I’ve never been the type to write down my experiences or my thoughts. Let me tell you a little about myself. I was born and Raised in New York city and moved to Philadelphia when I was 19. Went to college and found the love my life. In the past six years a lot has happened to me. I’m a father, Fiancee (but we treat each other like Husband and wife anyway), and a photographer. All these experiences have pushed and saved my life one way or another. I’m not sure what this Blog will eventually be about but in the mean time it will consist of life and photography. P2250210
It’s funny, ever since I can remember I’ve always been a creative person. Always looking for a way to express myself. For a while it used to be music. I used to say music is my Mistress but it seems photography has taken that place. Don’t get me wrong I love music but the music of today honestly, it’s mostly horse shit with no substance and meaningless lyrics. Six years ago you would find me in a studio for hours engineering, producing, mixing, etc. I even have a degree in Digital Audio Production. When I bought my first SLR it was just going to be hobby and nothing more. It got to a point I did less music and more shooting with a camera. Around this time life turned me into father and I put everything on pause. Now and then I would take pictures but the photos would be mostly of my daughter because she is my world. I did what most parents do, put your goals and dreams on pause and hope to get back to them someday. Tap into the Subconscious of the Universe
Fast forward to a year and half later; my family and I are now living in sunny Florida. I’m still not sure how I feel about it but I do know this is only a pit stop during this journey. I believe this was the change that I needed, shortly after moving here I picked up my camera again. Even got a mirrorless camera so I could take it everywhere I went. A couple of days of having a mirrorless I decided to embark on a 365 challenge. I’ve heard people who finished a 365 project say it changed their life. At first I thought it was a load of bullshit, but I was wrong. My Legacy/ My Strength
My 365 project made me a better photographer dramatically and even saved me on certain days from my depression. In the beginning I was just taking photos just to take them. As I got further into the project my technique got better and my ideas for photos and how I wanted to take them changed. My fiancé even suggested I use my photography to express how I would feel some days and I did. There were days I thought I wasn’t going to be able to complete the 365. Taking a picture everyday is maddening and stressful at times. I just wanted to give up and say FUCK IT! But that never happened, I wound up finishing my 365 project which was an amazing feeling. Not every picture is perfect or a masterpiece but they’re mine and part of my journey. Whats crazy is some of the pictures in my 365 have been published in print and online magazines as well as received awards and honorable mentions. P2106630
I would have never thought in my first year back in photography that those awards and accolades would happen. Here we are in the now, with a recently finished 365 project and now I have moved on to a 52 week project. I know I know another year project. You’re probably thinking am I crazy. It’s another challenge that will be another journey that will help me grow as a photographer. I see it as obstacles and challenges that are there to make us stronger and the people who we are meant to be. If it comes easy what’s the point? There’s no personal growth or development of your character. I’m about taking in new experiences and using them to develop my skills professionally and personally. Anyway if you made it this far thank you for reading and I hope you come along in this journey with me - it could be interesting. Good night and Good luck Keith