I want you to think of a memory that fills your heart with joy. For me, it’s playing late-night games in the street as a child. I remember the rush of hiding from my neighbors in the bushes or screaming “READY OR NOT, HERE I COME.” Whenever I pick up an old photo of my younger self, I am reminded of these magical moments of freedom and childish wonders. Photography is the physical gift of remembering, watching and analyzing the past — and it is much more than a medium, it is the ability to freeze a moment in time or spark strong emotions in your audience. I aspire to take photos that promote positive energy and stories that we will reflect on for years to come.

Now, while I ramble on about images and the hundreds of selfies I see on social media every day, I also see the importance of the words the linger on every post or website. Evaluating the right place to put a comma or silly tagline can make or break a connection. A picture is worth a thousand words, but correctly chosen words can leave a lasting impression.