Five Years Later.
December 24, 2018. That day will probably live with me for the rest of my life. It was the day before Christmas, but the weather would have made it feel like it was the last day of Summer. The time of day was nearly sunset, but there were still sunny skies and barely a chill in the air. Quite literally the perfect conditions for a photographer looking for a great sunset. I didn’t really notice those perfect conditions right away though. Instead, I was trying to escape.
I was coming back to the area around Kentucky Lake for Christmas activities with family. Two weeks previously, I had moved away from that same area after six months of living on my own. I was twenty years old. That afternoon, I sat at this marina for an hour and a half, holding my little Canon G7X vlogging camera, with no clue how to really use it. While holding back tears due to the horrible feelings I was having, I walked around taking pictures. I had never really “shot” anything before, so I didn’t really know what to look for. Honestly, I was just looking around for things that reminded me of computer screensavers. Those were always really nice pictures right? So, on I went, shooting pictures of boats, cars, street lights, parking spaces, lighthouses, and even a couple people. As I was finishing up and walking back to my car, I felt a sense fulfillment that I hadn't had in a very long time. Fulfillment, because I had finally done something again that brought me joy. Im not sure how long it had been since I could feel proud of something that I did or made. Then right before I closed my car door, I peaked in the rearview mirror and saw the entire marina in view. So I got out and took my final shot of the night. I will never forget the sunset that night.
(See my first blog post to see the last photo.)
Fast forward five years, to December 24, 2022. This time, I was not only coming back as an actual photographer, but also as a real version of myself. A version that I could actually be proud of. Initially, this was a return trip to show my girl where my photography journey had all started before we were together. I didn’t realize until I stood in the same spot I had five years prior, that I was home. This time, I came for reflection, instead of answers. And the reflection that I did pointed me towards two things. One was the fact that the last time I was here, I didn't’ know what I was going to do with myself or my life. What came out of that first trip was a newfound sense of purpose, a discovery of my real talent, and a couple shots that made it into magazines. Not too bad right? But, what came out of that second trip, was a realization that all those times I felt lost and unsure, were just obstacles in the road. Speed bumps that were trying to slow me down. And an overwhelming sense that I have to keep going.
Here are a couple of images from that second trip, as a reminder to appreciate where you have been and a reminder of where you are going.
