Rediscovering Joy: How 2025 Will Reshape My Photography Journey

What's next for my photographs

After spending a year doing almost exclusively fashion and runway photography, my feelings tell me it’s time to take a step back.

In 2022, I picked up a camera and discovered the world through a lens. 2023 was the year of exploration—I tried everything behind the camera, from landscapes to portraits, capturing the people, places, and moments that resonated with me. By 2024, I had narrowed my focus, dedicating my craft to fashion and runway photography. But as I reflect on the year, I realize something is missing. The spark of joy that first drew me to photography seems to have dimmed.

Here is how this revelation will shape my photography into 2025.

How my photography makes me feel

When I look back at my early work, I see a story of discovery. My camera came with me everywhere—on road trips, vacations, dinner parties, and casual days exploring NYC. Each photo told a unique story, not just about the subject but about my own journey as a photographer.

I was driven by curiosity to learn and a love for capturing moments with people.

Venice, Italy June 2023

Fashion and runway photography brought new stories—stories from an industry that has shaped me in countless ways. The thrill of backstage chaos, the elegance of models on the catwalk, and the creativity of designers brought a sense of purpose to my work.

Danny Nguyen Premise of Gold collection shot by me September 2024

But as I immersed myself in this fast-paced world, I realized I was following the opportunities that came my way instead of seeking out those that truly inspired me.

Taking Responsibility for My Journey

While I’m grateful to the people who’ve offered me opportunities, I’ve come to see that I’m responsible for charting my path.

Networking and meeting the right people are essential, but it’s up to me to decide which connections align with my vision and where I want my photography to take me. My “go-to talent”—the models, designers, and collaborators I’ve worked with consistently—has been the foundation of my success. But relying solely on these relationships has made my work feel predictable.

Runway photography, once a source of excitement, has started to feel repetitive. The patterns of the industry, while beautiful, no longer inspire me in the same way. And that realization is both unsettling and empowering.

Returning to Curiosity and Connection

At the core of my love for photography is curiosity—a desire to learn, to experiment, and to see the world in new ways.

It’s this same curiosity that makes me love capturing moments with people, whether it’s the quiet authenticity of a candid moment or the vibrancy of a scene unfolding in real time. These are the moments that fill me with joy and remind me why I picked up a camera in the first place.

In 2025, I’m focusing on this foundation.

I’ll seek projects that challenge me to grow and learn, whether that’s experimenting with new techniques, collaborating with people outside of my usual circles, or stepping into spaces I’ve never explored before. It’s not about abandoning fashion and runway photography; it’s about bringing a renewed sense of curiosity and love for storytelling to everything I shoot.

This year, I’m stepping back—not to retreat, but to reconnect with the things that matter most.

Photography has always been about more than just creating images; it’s been about discovering stories, creating connections, and capturing the fleeting beauty of life. By grounding myself in curiosity and connection, I’m excited to see how 2025 shapes not only my photography but also my growth as an artist and storyteller.