I’ve been having a lot of ideas about what I would write before showcasing my photographs from the last year. I had a notion about going through each month and making sure I could pick out a highlight event for the month (mostly so I could grumble about turning 25). Unfortunately, I couldn’t condense to just 12.

2018 was a lot for my family as we got to celebrate life, both at its beginning and end. My cousin Mavis (or “Chublet”, as she’s lovingly referred to in the family group chat) was welcomed into the world, and my uncle Carmelo left his memories with us behind as he departed. In the wake of that, I realized I wanted to live my life more — and that would mean there would be times where I’d need to do things with no one at my side. I had adventures that might not seem very crazy, but for me to go alone it certainly felt like a big deal. Often it felt scary and I wished that my people were with me, but I’m thankful for the experiences I had. It was another big change year as I moved back to Long Beach after 7 years in Orange County.

My photography has taken leaps forward since my last review. I shot one wedding by myself in 2017 and quickly realized that there was so much more to learn, and was given the opportunity to do so with some absolutely incredible artists over 2018. Huge props go out to Hom Photography, iamkennywong, and Rayne Duronslet Photography for taking a chance on me. I was encouraged to truly think about and capture what wedding photography is and what it means, not just what looks beautiful. And perhaps this year I’ll actually be on top of posting images here since I’m off Instagram…

To my family and friends that supported me in life and in my work, thank you.

To all of the couples, families, and individuals that trusted me to document your moments, thank you.

To my Savior above all for this life and every blessing and trial within it, thank you.

To 2018 — thank you, next.