Lessons From My Journey: What I Wish I Knew When I Started Photography
Photography has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. From the toy cameras I carried around as a kid, to the Kodak 110 I used to document the world around me, to the Canon M50 that reignited everything years later — every camera has been a stepping stone on this journey. Dicetography wasn’t built overnight. It took passion, patience, mistakes, growth, and a whole lot of learning along the way.
As I look back on how far I’ve come, I realize there are lessons I wish I could’ve handed to my younger self — the version of me just picking the camera back up, unsure where the path would lead. Whether you’re a photographer just starting out or a client curious about the heart behind Dicetography, I hope these reflections offer something meaningful.
1. Master Your Gear — But Don’t Let It Control You
When I first got back into photography, I thought the gear would make the photographer. That’s how I justified upgrading from the Canon M50, to the R6, to the lenses and lighting setups I use today. Don’t get me wrong — having quality tools matters. But what matters more is knowing how to use them.
I learned quickly that you can hand a beginner a $5,000 setup and they’ll still struggle. But give someone skilled a basic camera and they’ll create magic. Understanding shutter speed, aperture, ISO, color, white balance, and composition changed everything for me. Once the technical side became second nature, creativity had room to grow.
Gear is important — but vision is everything.
2. Light Is the Real Game-Changer
Photography is, at its core, the art of light.
Natural light taught me the basics, but off-camera flash shaped my signature style. Learning how to control light instead of chasing it gave me the freedom to create dramatic, crisp, vivid images no matter the location or weather.
Crafting light instead of hoping for it became a turning point in my journey. Flash brought my vision to life and helped define Dicetography’s identity. It made photography fun again and opened the door to creating bold, expressive images with confidence.
3. People Matter More Than Any Photo
One thing I’ve learned is that photography isn’t just about capturing an image — it’s about connecting with people.
I’ve always said that my clients aren’t just clients; they become family. When someone steps in front of my lens, they’re trusting me with their story. Whether it’s a senior celebrating a milestone, an athlete stepping into their power, a family sharing laughter, or a couple preserving their love — these moments matter.
A meaningful connection creates better images than any camera ever will.
4. Burnout Happens — And It’s Okay To Step Back
There have been seasons where I pushed myself too hard — juggling full-time work, editing late into the night, shooting sessions back-to-back, and handling the business side of photography. It catches up with you.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to recognize the signs of burnout before it steals your joy.
Photography is both art and work. And when the business side becomes overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started. I’ve learned to give myself permission to take breaks, breathe, and reset. Stepping back doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you’re protecting your passion.
5. Stay True to Your Style — Even When Trends Change
Every year brings new photography trends — dark and moody, light and airy, film edits, muted tones, heavy composites — the list goes on.
Early on, I tried to replicate what other photographers were doing. But nothing felt like me.
When I embraced dramatic lighting, crisp detail, and vivid color, everything changed. That style wasn’t just visually striking; it reflected who I am and how I see the world.
Your style is your fingerprint. Don’t trade it for trends.
6. Every Story Deserves to Be Told
At the end of the day, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that every session, every client, every moment has a story. And it’s my job — and my privilege — to tell it.
Dicetography isn’t just about beautiful images.
It’s about meaning, emotion, and connection.
It’s about helping people feel their photos, not just see them.
It’s about building a legacy one click at a time.
What started as a childhood fascination has grown into a passion, then a craft, then a business, and now a mission.
Closing Thoughts
This journey is far from over, and I’m still learning every single day. If you’re a photographer just starting out, I hope these lessons help guide you. If you’re a client, thank you for trusting me with your memories. And if you’ve been part of this journey from the beginning, thank you for supporting something that means so much to me.
Here’s to growth, creativity, and the stories still waiting to be told.
Ready to Create Something Meaningful?
If you’d like to book a session, learn more about my work, or be part of Dicetography’s story — I’d love to connect.
Let’s create something unforgettable together.