Maddie's Moments in my Photography Journey

I began my photography journey in 2021, after my mom let me use her Nikon camera to take pictures. I walked around the outside of my house, snapping photos of flowers and leaves. Instantly, I loved it and became engrossed in the hobby. My evolving passion for the environment and connection to nature compelled me to capture my moments spent outdoors.

Initially, photography was just a hobby. I enjoyed capturing the intricate details of leaves and the flowing rivers along the trails my family and I explored. As my interest grew, I started experimenting with framing and lighting, immersing myself in countless YouTube videos to master basic techniques. As the significance of photographing cherished memories with my family and friends became increasingly more important to me, I began experimenting with portrait photography. Eventually, I decided to turn my pastime into a more substantial and dedicated endeavor.

Encouraged by the unwavering support of family and friends and inspired by fellow creators on social media, I started my own business branded “Maddie’s Moments.” Through this endeavor, I will share prints of my photographs and offer portrait photoshoots, aiming to cultivate a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for photography, nature, and environmental consciousness. As I expand my photography venture over the next year, this pursuit seamlessly integrates various aspects of my personality into a holistic business.

I take pride in my photography, which serves a dual purpose: commitment to environmental advocacy and the preservation of cherished memories. Through each photograph, I aim to capture nature’s beauty, raising awareness about the urgent need for environmental preservation. My lens tells a story of the connection between the natural world and the human experience, portraying smiles and laughter. The reactions of viewers go beyond personal validation; they communicate the power of visual storytelling. These emotions spark conversations about environmental responsibility, and it fills me with pride to use my camera to inspire the change Earth needs.

However, the journey has been challenging. Learning the intricacies of new editing software proved to be a tedious task. Managing and organizing my collection of photos, along with storage issues, presented additional challenges. Yet, my passion for photography and the innate desire to keep creating guided me through these challenging times.

One of the most unexpected aspects of my photography journey has been my ability to pick up new skills quickly. Equally surprising is the community that has blossomed around my work. I discovered that more people are passionate about environmental problems than I initially thought. Through this venture, I’ve forged friendships with fellow photographers who share not only a love for the hobby but also a commitment to environmental consciousness. Witnessing the diverse perspectives and unique approaches to photography in this community has been inspiring. Whether individuals are taking photos for personal joy, social justice, or environment advocacy, we find unity in the shared interest in taking a camera and discovering its limitless possibilities.

While it has been difficult to find time recently to pick up my camera, every time I do I find solace in its power and my creative side. I am looking forward to spending more time behind the camera this summer and prioritizing this hobby with free time.

Until next week,

Maddie