When I was younger, I heavily contemplated pursuing photography as a full-time job. There’s something comforting about the idea of turning a hobby into a job. Knowing that I already loved it, it seemed like a reasonable career path. But the more I’ve grown into it, the more I’ve realized I don’t want that. Photography is something I reach for when I want or need it. It’s a creative outlet, a fun activity, or a way to capture moments I want to remember the beauty I am seeing. I love that I can pick it up or put it down without pressure. It doesn’t have to be anything more than what it is.

Having photography as a hobby gives it room to breathe. Something I don’t feel pressure to complete. It’s something that stays personal, something I can return to over and over without it becoming routine or transactional. It’s mine.