Finding the story | Sharing a moment

Returning on a flight home from an assignment, I sat next to a young woman from Oklahoma. We exchanged pleasantries, spoke of our travel purposes, and naturally, the conversation steered towards our occupations. When I inquired about what she did, her countenance shifted uneasily while she nervously readjusted in her seat. She paused hesitantly, so I decided to ask a different question. "What is it you love to do?"

Surprised, relieved, she looked up. There was a different kind of pause. A smile returned to her face and she brushed the loose strands of hair behind her ear. Beaming, she replied, "rock climbing." Our conversation lasted the entire flight home. What defines you is not necessarily your occupation, but what you love to do.

My occupation is my hobby—and vice versa. I love what I do, and if I can share a story, an experience, or an adventure through photography, I feel complete. Like the brief encounter with that woman from Oklahoma, my goal is to make every client feel comfortable…with me, my camera, and the moment we share together.