2024 marked my Year One as a professional photographer—a year of firsts, growth, and creative leaps. Reflecting on this journey, I’m proud of the milestones I’ve reached, from capturing my first wedding to launching Reel to Real, a project that challenged me creatively in ways I never imagined. This year has been a rollercoaster of excitement, challenges, and moments of doubt, but it’s also been one of immense growth and discovery. As I close out my first year, I’m excited to share the highlights, lessons, and unforgettable moments that defined Year One of Being a Professional Photographer.

Highlights of Year One


Shooting My First Wedding (and then Three More!)

One of the most unforgettable moments of Year One was stepping into the world of wedding photography. Photographing my first wedding felt both exhilarating and overwhelming—I was thrilled to finally be doing what I’ve always dreamed of, but I couldn’t shake the imposter syndrome that lingered in the background. Weddings are high-stakes events, and the trust my clients placed in me to capture one of the most important days of their lives was both humbling and empowering.


By the time I photographed my fourth wedding, I could see my confidence and skills growing. Each wedding came with its own unique challenges, but I learned to adapt and embrace the unpredictability of the day. These experiences solidified my love for wedding photography and made me feel like I truly belonged in this industry. Truly just want to say THANK YOU to all the couples that entrusted me with their special day and giving me that opportunity!

Launching the Reel to Real Series



Starting Reel to Real was a leap into the unknown. This series was more than just a creative project—it was a way to challenge myself as a photographer and storyteller. Every episode pushed me to think beyond traditional photography, blending cinematic elements with imaginative themes.


Of all the episodes, Pirates of the Caribbean felt like a real turning point. I wanted it to be bigger and better than the previous episodes, and I believe I succeeded in stepping up my game. From the intricate lighting setups to the editing process that brought the story to life, this episode showed me how much I’ve grown since the series began.

Collaborating with The Dressing Room



This year also brought exciting opportunities to work with other creatives, including The Dressing Room, a bridal boutique. Shooting content for their stunning gowns was a refreshing change of pace and allowed me to flex my creativity in new ways. It was fun to experiment with showcasing the elegance of their designs while still infusing my unique style into the shots. This collaboration reminded me how much I enjoy working with others to bring a vision to life.

By the Numbers


Reflecting on Year One, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished: four weddings, four Reel to Real episodes, and countless smaller shoots and projects. Each of these milestones is a reminder of how far I’ve come in such a short time. As I look back, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey so far and excitement for what’s to come.

Things I’d Do Differently in Year One


Start Prioritizing Time Management Sooner

Balancing full-time work, school, and photography was no small feat this year. Looking back, I wish I had adopted a more structured schedule earlier on to make the most of my limited time. There were moments when projects felt rushed or delayed simply because I wasn’t managing my workload as effectively as I could have.


Prepare for Weather Challenges (Even When They Seem Unlikely)

When Hurricane Helene forced me to adjust my plans for Amy and Colton’s wedding in Michigan, I assumed it was a one-time thing. There was no way another hurricane would disrupt my plans for a second Michigan wedding, right? Wrong. Just a week and a half later, Hurricane Milton threw me right back into chaos for Jon and Sarah’s wedding. These experiences taught me not to assume lightning—or in this case, hurricanes—won’t strike twice. Moving forward, I’ll always have a backup plan ready, no matter how unlikely a scenario might seem.


Communicate Creative Vision More Clearly

There were times when I struggled to articulate my creative vision to clients or collaborators, which sometimes led to adjustments late in the process. Going forward, I want to be more intentional about laying out clear concepts and expectations from the start.


Focus on Consistency in Social Media

While I accomplished a lot with Reel to Real and other projects, I didn’t always maintain consistency in posting on social media. This made it harder to build momentum and grow my audience. In the future, I plan to develop a stronger content strategy to keep my work visible and engage with my followers regularly.


Trust Myself Earlier

Imposter syndrome held me back more than I’d like to admit. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to trust my instincts and my talent from day one. It took time to believe in my skills and vision, but now I know that self-confidence is just as important as technical ability in this field.

My own personal & Business Goals for 2025


As I look ahead to 2025, there’s so much to be excited about—and a little to be nervous about, too. With a probable move out of Florida and new chapters unfolding, I’m ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities this year will bring.


Growing Reel to Real

One of my biggest goals is to continue growing the Reel to Real series. I’m already brainstorming episodes inspired by Harry Potter, Paperman, and The Notebook, each bringing new stories and challenges to the table. I’m also excited to experiment more with film photography, including doing an entire photoshoot using my Mamiya C330 camera. It’s a chance to explore something different and push my creativity even further.


Doubling Weddings and Preparing for Full-Time

In 2024, I photographed four weddings, and my goal for 2025 is to double that number. I want to continue building my wedding photography portfolio, connecting with amazing couples, and perfecting my craft. Ultimately, this is all part of a larger plan to feel confident going full-time with photography by 2026.


Personal Milestones

2025 is set to be a big year personally, too. I’m set to graduate in May, and in March, I’ll be marrying the love of my life—a moment I’ve been looking forward to for so long. Beyond that, I want to focus on being healthier, managing finances more effectively, and checking off a big bucket list item: traveling to Japan. If I can plan it right, I’d love to do a photoshoot while I’m there to capture the beauty and culture of the country.


Mastering Lighting

Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of photography, and I felt it was a weakness in my work this past year. In 2025, I’m committed to improving my lighting skills, from mastering strobes to making the most of natural light. This will be a priority in every shoot I take on.


Growing Social Media

As of the start of 2025, my Instagram sits at 295 followers, and my YouTube channel, which I just launched, has 5 subscribers. This year, I want to grow these platforms by creating more consistent, engaging content that resonates with viewers and inspires others. My goal is to connect with a larger audience and build a community around my photography journey while showcasing my growth as a creator.


Embracing the Unknown

With a probable move out of Florida on the horizon, 2025 will bring its share of unknowns. While that’s a little nerve-wracking, I’m hopeful it will also bring new adventures and opportunities for growth. I want this year to be even bigger than 2024, full of challenges that push me forward as both a photographer and a person.

As I close the book on Year One of Being a Professional Photographer, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey so far and excitement for what’s to come. This past year has been one of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments, and I’m proud of the foundation I’ve built. Looking ahead, 2025 feels like a year full of potential—a chance to push myself creatively, grow my business, and embrace the unknown with open arms. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way—clients, collaborators, friends, and family. Here’s to another year of capturing stories, chasing dreams, and making magic happen, one photo at a time.

A romantic couple poses with lanterns in the dark, with the bride wearing a flowing white dress and holding a bouquet.
A couple shares an intimate kiss on the dance floor at their wedding reception in black and white photography.
A person dressed as Glinda whispers to someone in a Wicked witch costume with green makeup during a theatrical performance.
A silhouette stands on a misty beach at sunset with a dramatic purple and orange sky over calm waters.
A person in a flowing red dress twirls joyfully on a scenic path with houses visible on the hillside in the background.
A person floats on a pink inflatable flamingo pool float under a striped patio umbrella.
Four brides in elegant white wedding dresses stand together laughing by a scenic lakeside setting with a palace in background.
A wedding dress with a flowing tulle skirt and beaded bodice twirls gracefully in an outdoor garden setting.
Figure in a rustic cafe interior wearing a voluminous white ballgown skirt with a vintage bicycle mounted on the wall.
A flowing white wedding gown and veil billow in the breeze against a backdrop of a lake and lighthouse on a cloudy day.
Professional photographer sits on a step wearing an argyle sweater vest and holding a camera in an outdoor setting.
Low angle photo of someone in sunglasses crouching against red wall with circular light feature in casual urban style.
A graduate stands on the University of Central Florida's seal featuring a black and gold pegasus emblem on the floor.
Holiday shoppers walk beneath illuminated decorations at a festive outdoor night market with twinkling lights overhead.
A couple exchanges vows during an intimate wedding ceremony beneath purple floral decorations and soft lighting.
Romantic couple embraces during evening dance at outdoor wedding reception with warm glowing lights in background.