I first had an interest in photography when I was young. The exact age I’m not sure, but I remember taking pictures, as early as 5.
There were many notable experiences in my childhood, that I would describe as…difficult, and at times, traumatic. There were times I had anxiety, and felt depressed, invisible at times, so taking pictures gave me something to focus on, an escape from what was going on at the time.
I loved immersing myself into the documentation of everything around me. Being able to stop time, and preserve moments.There was an excitement, anticipating the arrival of the prints. I always checked the “include negatives” box. I kept the prints and negatives, in a keepsake box over the years. An archive that includes photographs that I took from 1994 (7 years old) to 2001(14 years yrs). Which I still have preserved. Days where I felt like giving up, I look through the archive, and I become inspired again. It reminds me of why I decided to learn the art-form, and eventually pursue a career.
I vividly remember the day my love for photography was confirmed. It was Fall of 1997. I was about 10 years old. I was a bridesmaid in a wedding. I felt restless and didn’t know too many people. I hijacked my Mom’s camera and started documenting the wedding. Using up her film, with no eye on the exposure count. I took one photo of the sky. Bright bluehue, cotton-ball clouds. My mother gave me the print which I still have it, to this day. Maybe I knew then, when I decided to keep it, that it would be important to me.
During my time in the retail industry, I was able to travel with the company I worked for. On the trips, I brought my camera and started taking photographs of things that I saw, places I went, different people that I met. I was truly inspired by the moments I captured, and I wanted to learn more. So I left my full time job of over a year, to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Photography.
I attended my first semesters at Hunter College (CUNY) enrolled in the Media Program directly after High School. I initially had aspirations to a career in film, striving to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Media Studies/Film. After my transfer to the College of Staten Island (CUNY) I decided to change my focus to Photography.