Through My Lens: Part 3 - Forever Wild

Photography has always been my anchor. No matter where life takes me, it’s the one passion I return to, the one thing that truly satisfies me. It’s my escape into a world of my own creation, and what I love most is how it draws me into nature—where I feel happiest.

For years, I went without a camera in my hands again. During my kids’ Little League baseball games, I’d occasionally help other parents capture more creative shots by tweaking their camera settings. I tried not to overstep—they were there to watch their kids play, not to get a photography lesson—but I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to share what I knew. Then I met Dan, a fellow assistant coach who’d recently moved from Southern California. He showed up to nearly every game with his camera gear, and we bonded quickly over our shared love for photography. Those conversations reignited something in me.

Slowly, the spark returned. I’d joke about getting back into photography but didn’t fully commit. Then a camera would appear on my desk for a few days. A week later, I’d pull out some lenses, a tripod, maybe a microphone. Hard drives started piling up, and the urge grew stronger.

The turning point came when I decided to set up a podcast studio in my office to record shows with my kids. I don’t know why, but that idea flipped a switch. I dove into researching cameras, lights, microphones, and studio gear. It felt like a fun way to document conversations with my kids while they’re still young, and I also wanted to start filming them again to capture their lives as they grow. One thing led to another, and I was all in.

I traded my old gear for modern cameras that excel at both photo and video. I set up the studio and recorded podcasts with my kids—moments I’ll treasure forever, especially that first episode, which ranks among my top ten memories with them.

From there, photography and videography took off again. I started shooting mostly at kids’ sports, which isn’t my forte, but I’ve had a blast learning. Sharing high-resolution images with other parents is rewarding—they’re always so grateful. I also carry a small Fuji camera with me these days, paired with a handful of prime lenses. Each week, I pick one focal length to shoot with, forcing myself to get creative. It’s a fun challenge.

Nature remains my true fuel. I’ve grown to love photographing wildlife—birds, deer, elk, anything that roams free. I also enjoy capturing my dog, especially when she’s retrieving a bird. That combination of animals, nature, and photography is where my passions converge. This time, I’m not turning back.

But it’s different now. I’m not chasing a career or setting expectations. I’m here to have fun, to write, and to share my experiences. This website will become a journal of my favorite memories, a collection of fragile moments preserved in time. Life moves fast; a camera slows it down. Whether I’m sharing with just myself or my family, that’s enough for me.

Photography, alongside writing, is my art of choice. It’s an escape from the chaos of everyday life. Funny enough, as I write this, it’s 10:12 PM again—a time that’s become a curious coincidence in my writing journey, as I noted in an earlier piece about rediscovering my creative spark. I just snapped a photo of my iPad for proof. This process—writing, reflecting—helps me unwind and unpack my thoughts. Honestly, I wasn’t thrilled about writing tonight, but I set a goal to get it done. Once I started typing, the words flowed, and now I feel truly relaxed.

So, that’s how I got here. Where I’m going? I’m not sure, and that’s okay. One idea is to revisit old photographs, to dive into the stories and mindsets behind them. For now, I’ll keep sharing and see where the road leads. I’m just grateful to have photography and writing back in my life. Until next time!