Who am I?
One day I woke up, and I realized nothing was the same as the day before. On Memorial Day of the year 2022, I learned my best friend and comrade had taken his own life. He had been struggling for years with Mental Health Issues, and he would often reach out to me for support or just for a quick chat. However, leading up to that day, our conversations became shorter and I was in the process of starting a new career. So, when he did reach out to me, unfortunately I had to keep it quick because my mind was focusing on other tasks.
Since the day that I learned he had taken his own life, I regrettably convinced myself that this was my own fault. I should have seen the signs and the call for help, but I was just too distracted with my own agendas.
A few months later, I found myself in the same situation. I had no more agendas, desires, or self respect to even get out of bed. My life took a complete 180, and suicide seemed like it was my only option. My wife encourage me to seek professional help.
In 2023, I sought help for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and they provided the tools to get me back outside. It took courage to purchase my first camera, but after my first outdoor session, I finally felt free from the restraints of severe mental health. Therefore, I use photography as a means for therapy. I am here to share my therapy vision through my camera lens.
Therapy Through My Lens
I only started shooting because I wanted to see another side of the world through someone else’s perspective. Prior to becoming a photographer, I was never able to concentrate on the beauty of the world that surrounds us. My fight or flight mentality always kept me on alert, and I was constantly looking for the nearest exit. However, when I picked up a camera, I realized perhaps I wasn’t seeing the world as it was meant. I was engulfed in darkness, but the camera helped me see the colors of Earth.
