For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a camera in my hand. I have a bunch of those giant plastic bins full of old 4x6 prints that remind me of when I was just the friend who’d show up with a disposable camera and bug everyone by taking their photos.

It wasn’t until late in high school, while photographing the clothing I had made for my senior project - a fashion line, that I realized photography could be more than a pastime—it could be my career.

Hey hey, I’m Casey, and welcome to my blog.

In this first post, I’m sharing the story of how I became a photographer. I’ll take you through the early moments that sparked my interest, the shift from casual snapshots to a serious pursuit, and the experiences that helped shape my approach to capturing real life.

Allow me to walk you through the experiences that turned my passion for photography into a purposeful career—and the lessons that still inspire my work today

📸 The Early Spark

Even though I had a camera in my hands almost all the time, I was never interested in “photography” as an art form. I took photos because I loved recording the world around me—whether it was a school event, my friends hanging out, or a walk around town.

Looking back, I’m grateful I had the chance to fall in love with the camera and the process before I ever realized I could turn it into a career.

Growing up, I lived on the edge of suburbia and woods in Florida in the early ’90s, so a lot of my early life was spent outdoors. By the time I was around eight, the area had grown, and suddenly, I was surrounded by kids just like me.

One of the first times I truly encountered people different from me—what I came to understand as a different culture, and what sparked a lifelong curiosity—was when my parents took me on a Trafalgar bus tour through England, Ireland, and Scotland.

I still remember sitting in the back of the bus, listening to the tour guide prattle on in his unfamiliar accent about a mix of ancient castles and bustling streets. I was filled with wonder about these new places.

That trip opened my eyes to different cultures and ways of life. It not only sparked my curiosity but also laid the foundation for my passion for documenting life as it is.

Was there a moment when you first felt drawn to something creative? Maybe a place, a person, or an experience that sparked something in you? Let me know in the comments!

🎓 From Hobby to Calling

The moment of photographing the dress I made for my senior project inspired me to start experimenting beyond the casual snapshots I was used to. I started trying to figure out what made that photo striking to me. I looked at other photos and asked why I liked them. I went on regular photo walks, trying to take better photos and imitate the techniques I admired.

But something wasn’t clicking—I wasn’t loving any of the photos I took after that dress photo.

So, I enrolled in the only photography class available—a black-and-white film and darkroom class at my local community college. Even though the process was messy and challenging, I fell in love with the hands-on experience of bringing a photo to life in print.

There were a lot of reasons those early efforts didn’t turn out how I wanted. But that “failure” oddly enough became one of my biggest lessons. It taught me that a failure is only a failure if you don’t go back and make something of it.

🧠 Finding My Style, Beyond the Settings

When I was learning photography, I obsessed over the technical details—aperture, shutter speed, all the things. But over time, I realized I wasn’t just interested in taking technically perfect pictures—I wanted to tell stories.

I wanted my images to feel like memories—like you could step into them and know exactly what’s happening, hear the laughter from the smiles, or feel the warmth of the sun from the glow.

One of the biggest influences on my style is street photography. IMHO, street photography is the best form of photography—it’s about capturing the world as it unfolds in front of you. No staged poses, no perfect lighting setups, no second chances.

Street photography taught me to embrace the unpredictability of real life. A simple shift in perspective, waiting for the decisive moment, or focusing on the natural interactions between people made all the difference.

This was on the way to an over water fishing village in Cambodia in February 2020. It's one of my favorite images I've ever taken.

Here are some ways my love of street photography has shaped my lifestyle and candid photography style:

• I embrace natural light – Shadows, soft glows, and directional light add mood and depth, making images feel real and organic.
  
• I focus on storytelling – Subtle details like a glance, a touch, or a laugh bring photos to life.
  
• I favor a wide-open aperture – A blurred background isolates subjects, creating an intimate, cinematic feel.
  
• I capture movement and spontaneity – The best moments happen between poses—twirls, laughter, and quiet gestures.
  
• I prioritize connection – When people feel at ease, their true personalities shine.
  
• I trust my instincts – The best shots are often unplanned—I stay present and ready.
  

Photography, for me, isn’t just about taking a picture—it’s about capturing something real.

🇮🇹 A Defining Moment in Italy

One of the most unforgettable chapters in my photography journey unfolded during my study abroad trip to Italy.

I still remember the long, winding bus rides through the countryside, surrounded by other artists and art students, our excitement buzzing about everything we’d seen.

On one of those rides, my professor handed me a new issue of National Geographic. As I flipped through the pages, I stumbled upon a photo essay about Marseille’s transformation into a melting pot of cultures, particularly the influence of recent Muslim immigrants.

But what struck me most weren’t just the words—it was the images.

The photos captured people simply living their lives. They weren’t posed. They weren’t curated. They were real.

And it hit me—this is the kind of photography I want to create.

That moment solidified my love for documentary and street photography. It was a reminder that every moment—no matter how ordinary—carries a story worth sharing.

The final selection of images from my study abroad trip in Italy in the summer of 2012.

🔭 Looking Forward

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that photography is an ever-evolving journey.

Looking ahead, I want to:

• Make photography more accessible – Helping people take better photos of their everyday lives without all the technical jargon.
  
• Explore documentary storytelling – Capturing real-life stories through long-term projects.
  
• Collaborate with creatives – Working with writers, artists, and businesses to create meaningful visuals.
  
• Create a few photo series – Focusing on themes like everyday joy or cultural traditions. (Now that I’ve moved to Vermont, I want to photograph it and all of New England—it's one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.)
  
• Teach and mentor – Offering workshops or guidance to help others grow in photography.
  
• Use photography for impact – Partnering with nonprofits or community projects to tell important stories.
  
• Print and curate my work – Developing a zine, book, or fine art prints.
  

That’s a big part of why I’m starting this blog—to create a space where photography feels fun, engaging, accessible, and meaningful.

If you could explore any creative project—big or small—what would it be?
What’s something you’ve always wanted to create?

🌱 The Journey Continues